Late-Round Patriots Pick Already Impressing Teammates in Camp

The New England Patriots began their training camp last week and it's already produced mixed results. While some Patriots like rookie wideout Ja'Lynn Polk are living up to the hype by making the most of their opportunities, others — like veteran JuJu Smith-Schuster — are failing to make a case as to why they belong on the 53-man roster.

When it comes to those who are trending in a positive direction, Javon Baker is a name that stands out. Although the 2024 fourth-rounder displayed potential during his collegiate career, few people expected him to be an impact player in his first NFL season.

But with the way that training camp is going, the former UCF playmaker might end up being an important part of New England's attack this fall.

Patriots News: Javon Baker Impressing at Training Camp

After a strong training camp showing on Monday, Baker received some huge praise from fellow receiver K.J. Osborn. According to ESPN's Mike Reiss, the 27-year-old veteran told reporters that Baker is "really talented" and that he reminds him of Pittsburgh Steelers WR George Pickens.

Considering how Pickens has nearly 2,000 receiving yards with nine TDs and just led the NFL with 18.1 yards per reception last season, that's some significantly high praise.

It also seems as if the veteran and rookie have fostered some sort of connection throughout the summer. Osborn added that he's taken it upon himself to help Baker prepare for the talented cornerbacks he's about to face each Sunday.

"I'm trying to tell [Baker] the type of people he's going to face on Sunday... we go against some really good corners. So it's been exciting to see him continue to come along, continue to make plays, and I think he'll be a good player."

- K.J. Osborn

Being a former Day 3 selection himself, Osborn likely knows what Baker is feeling during his first NFL training camp. Although Osborn ended up barely seeing any action during his rookie campaign, he's since averaged about 600 receiving yards and five touchdowns in each of the last three seasons, which is the type of production Patriots fans wouldn't mind seeing from Baker.

It's been great to see this year's 110th overall selection exceeding any and all expectations. What's even more impressive is that Baker achieved that success despite having to deal with off-field distractions that baselessly accused him of being a locker room distraction.

Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 202 pounds, Baker has a solid frame to help him find NFL excess. He isn't the fastest receiver, however, he didn't need speed to dominate the competition in college. That was proven by his tallying 1,935 receiving yards and 12 TDs across his final two seasons at UCF on top of being named to the 2023 All-Big 12 first team.

As bright as his future looks, Baker still has some time to go before he's mentioned with the rest of the NFL's 2024 rookie class. As July ends, the 22-year-old receiver is tied for the 19th-best odds (+8000) to lead all rookie wideouts in receiving yards this fall.

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