With the conclusion of the 2024 season, it’s time for teams to develop a plan for both free agency and the draft. Front offices will do their homework on upcoming free agents and attend draft-related events to take a close look at the upcoming prospects.
After another disappointing season, the New England Patriots are expected to make a number of moves with both their $122 million cap space and use their number four overall pick to draft a cornerstone player for the future. One of the reasons the Patriots haven’t made the playoffs this year is due to their inability to hit on draft picks.
His rookie season was disappointing as he struggled to see playing time on one of the worst teams in the league, recording 1 catch for 12 yards, which came in the final game of the season. One of the big issues the Patriots offense had this season was that their receivers weren’t able to create separation, yet Baker, who is known for his route running, wasn’t able to receive playing time until the last game.
1. Javon Baker, WR
Javon Baker was the Patriots' fourth-round selection in the 2024 draft. Baker started his college career at Alabama as a five-star recruit before transferring to UCF after the 2021 season.
In his two years at UCF, Baker had 108 catches for 1,935 yards, averaging 17.9 yards per catch. Although he wasn’t projected to make an immediate impact for the Patriots, he was supposed to open up the field as a deep threat with both his route running and ability to win 50/50 balls.
His rookie season was disappointing as he struggled to see playing time on one of the worst teams in the league, recording 1 catch for 12 yards which came in the final game of the season. One of the big issues the Patriots offense had this season was their receivers weren’t able to create separation, yet Baker who is known for his route running, wasn’t able to receive playing time until the last game.
The Patriots had an opportunity to draft a better receiver in either Jordan Whittington or Bub Means. Whittington, who was drafted in the sixth round by the Los Angeles Rams, had 22 catches for 293 yards. Means, drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round, had nine catches, 118 yards, and one touchdown in only seven games before suffering a season-ending injury.
Baker will be 23 at the start of next season and still has time to improve, but with Mike Vrabel as the head coach, his future is uncertain. The Patriots are in a position to improve at wide receiver through free agency and the draft. Unless Baker makes a jump in his development, he’s leaning toward becoming a bust.