Training camp is often the most important part of any NFL offseason, and that's even more so the case when a new head coach is taking over. The New England Patriots' 90-man roster has spent the last two weeks working hard to win over new HC Mike Vrabel and his coaching staff, making it crucial for everyone to meet expectations if they want to crack the 53-man squad.
Some Patriots who had disappointing 2024 campaigns are already practicing well under Vrabel, which includes returning wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk's solid showing on Monday. Well, it only took less than 24 hours for a fellow second-year playmaker to steal the show before July is over.
Patriots WR Javon Baker Makes Randy Moss-like Catch in Tuesday's Practice
The Boston Herald's Andrew Callahan is reporting that Baker made quite an impressive catch during Tuesday's training camp practice. According to Callahan, the 23-year-old WR had a "WOW TD" during the latest 11-on-11 drills when he made a "two-handed grab and toe-tapped" for a touchdown while being covered by cornerback Marcellas Dial Jr.
Javon Baker with a WOW TD in 11-on-11s.
— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) July 29, 2025
He Moss'd Marcellas Dial Jr. on a fade throw from Joshua Dobbs in the tight red zone, 2-handed grab and toe-tapped for the score.
Randy Moss is one of the best WRs in NFL history and a Patriots legend, so the fact that Callahan even compared Baker to him is high praise. The Pro Football Hall of Famer made a career off of highlight-reel catches, with his toe-tap TD against the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day 2000 often being lauded as his best.
That isn't to say that Baker will go on to replicate Moss' success with the Patriots, but it does show that he seems poised to step up after a disappointing rookie season.
The 110th overall pick in last year's draft, the Patriots hoped that Baker could be one of quarterback Drake Maye's top threats. The 6-foot-1, 202-pound WR was coming off a strong year at the University of Central Florida that saw him lead the Big 12 in receiving yards (1,139) and yards per catch (21.9), all while also scoring seven TDs on 52 catches.
Unfortunately, Baker didn't come close to those heights as a rookie. He only caught 1-of-4 (25%) targets for 12 receiving yards, and only played 90 offensive snaps across his 11 games. Assuming he continues to have training camp success, those numbers should skyrocket across the board in Year 2.
Sharing a WR room with Polk, Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, and DeMario Douglas, has every incentive to keep stepping up if he doesn't want to be left on the outside looking in once the Patriots' training camp cuts begin.