FOXBORO, Mass. — Javon Baker set high expectations with his initial comments after the New England Patriots selected him in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo told Baker he would need to back up his talk with his on-field play.
“He (Mayo) was just telling me, I got to prove myself,” Baker said after New England’s fourth training camp practice Sunday. “I was going to do that anyway. Coming in as a rookie, you got to prove ourselves.”
Baker started to do just that at the outset of training camp.
“I’m NFL ready,” Baker said. “That’s the only thing I can prove.”
Baker started training camp repping with the depth units for competitive periods. Patriots quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye were on one field while Baker primarily caught balls from Joe Milton III and Bailey Zappe on the other. Baker hinted it wasn’t the start he hoped for, but he understands his role as a rookie.
“I got to play a role on this team,” Baker said when asked if he’s happy with what he’s proven thus far. “As a rookie, you got to play a role. Whatever role they want me to play, I’ll play.”
It’s fair to question if Baker will soon see an uptick in competitive snaps with Brissett and Maye. The Central Florida product was arguably the most impressive wideout during the last two days of pad-less practices. The Patriots threw on the pads Monday.
Baker made a highlight-reel grab during an 11-on-11 period on Day 3. He leaped over sixth-round cornerback Marcellus Dial Jr. for a 60-something-yard touchdown pass from Milton, just after Maye connected with Ja’Lynn Polk for an impressive pass-and-catch on the opposite field.
It showcased Baker’s ability to high-point the football, a skill he believes is his best attribute. Baker was lauded for that ability during the pre-draft process, too.
“I told Joe, ‘Hey, if you’re going to throw the ball — if you say you got a rocket arm, you better throw that ball 60 yards,'” Baker said. “I can’t be nothing but happy about that one.”
Baker added three other highlights Sunday. The most notable was his Willie Mays-like catch from Brissett during 1-on-1s. It was the best catch through four days of camp, as Baker beat depth cornerback Mikey Victor off the line and made a late adjustment on the ball for an over-the-shoulder grab. Baker, who confirmed he played baseball when he was younger, credited Brissett for the throw.
He celebrated the reception by firing the ball into the air, which prompted the loudest ovation of the day. Baker also beat top cornerback Christian Gonzalez on an in-breaking route on a prior 1-on-1 rep.
“It’s all about 1-on-1 matchups in the NFL,” Baker said. “So, if I can accomplish good on that one, then I can show everybody.”
Not long after his success in 1-on-1s, Baker connected with Maye on a crosser route during 11-on-11s. Baker gained some 20 yards after the catch, showing both his ability to create separation off the line and his explosiveness with the ball in his hands. Baker, who ran a 4.54 40-yard dash, has a legitimate burst on the football field.
He has a refreshingly simple mindset: Catch the ball.
“If the ball comes my way, catch the ball. Don’t drop the ball,” Baker said. “That’s my mindset when I go out. Know the play, catch the ball, finish.”
Baker certainly is still learning and adding to his game. He wants to get better as a receiver. There’s plenty of room for that.
But through the opening week of training camp, Baker showed physical traits that make it clear he’s ready for the league.
