INSTANT ANALYSIS OF THE PATRIOTS DRAFTING WR JAVON BAKER

The New England Patriots used pick No. 110 in the fourth round on UCF wide receiver Javon Baker, making him the second wideout that the team drafted after they selected Ja'Lynn Polk in the second.

Baker was projected to be a mid-round pick before the draft, with NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein comparing him to Josh Palmer.

His tape shows that he's quick and fast enough to get space between him and whatever defender is tasked with covering him. However, he needs to make sure he brings the ball all the way in to secure the catch, as NFL defenders will force incompletions at a much higher rate. 

The Patriots needed to add multiple wide receivers in this draft, so it was good that they did so, but it's interesting that these are the two they chose. This pick makes a little more sense, though, as the team hosted Baker on a pre-draft visit.

Baker's presence in New England will either force the other wide receivers such as Kayshon Boutte and Tyquan Thornton to step up their game, or he'll take their spot.

2024-04-27T17:08:27Z dg43tfdfdgfd