Monday is a big moment for New England Patriots fans because it marks the start of this year's organized team activities (OTAs). It's been a busy offseason filled with change as the Mike Vrabel era continues to take over the franchise, and the 2025 OTAs will finally give the fanbase a glimpse at the progress that's been made.
While OTAs are an exciting time for fans, they can be stressful on the players involved. Not everyone on the Patriots' roster is guaranteed to crack Vrabel's 53-man unit, and it wouldn't be surprising if a handful of names are sent packing during OTAs or right after they end — including one playmaker currently on the roster bubble.
Patriots WR Javon Baker is Clear Cut Candidate as OTAs Begin
Second-year wideout Javon Baker is one Patriots player who's in dire need of a strong showing throughout OTAs. The former didn't come close to living up to his draft hype last season, and the lackluster showing has put him on thin ice before June even arrives.
Baker was drafted 110th overall by the Patriots last year in an attempt to surround quarterback Drake Maye with the strongest WR room possible. The Atlanta, GA, native seemed like a good tool to have in Maye's arsenal after pacing the Big 12 with 1,139 receiving yards on 52 catches (along with a career-high seven touchdowns) with Central Florida in 2023.
Fourth-round picks don't often find immediate NFL success, but that doesn't excuse how invisible Baker was as a rookie. The 6-foot-1, 202-pound pass-catcher only drew four targets in 11 appearances, hauling in one of those balls for a forgettable 12-yard gain. He only saw 90 offensive snaps throughout the year, with 39 of them coming in a meaningless Week 18 matchup with the Buffalo Bills.
At the start of the offseason, it wouldn't be surprising to see Baker challenge for the WR5/6 role despite his lackluster rookie year. The Patriots' wideout depth was that bad. Having said that, his outlook is much worse following New England's offseason additions.
On top of returning names (Kendrick Bourne, Demario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, etc.), the Patriots signed veteran WRs Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins in free agency — both of whom immediately push Baker down the depth chart. Additionally, they used a 2025 third-round pick on Washington State's Kyle Williams, further muddying the 23-year-old's outlook.