Patriots rookie Javon Baker receives high praise from teammates in camp originally appeared in NBC Sports Boston
The New England Patriots reportedly won’t get wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk on the trade market, but they have some rookies with the potential to impress during the upcoming NFL season.
One of them is Javon Baker.
O fourth-round pick from the University of Central Florida he had a strong training camp so far. He used his quickness, strength and size to get open and make catches.
Patriots cornerback Isaiah Bolden went toe-to-toe with Baker throughout camp, including some individual work in the red zone during Monday’s session.
Bolden was very impressed with the UCF product’s skill set and confidence.
“He’s a smooth killer. I’m not going to lie. He’s smooth,” Bolden told reporters after Tuesday’s practice at Gillette Stadium, as seen in the video player above. “I like his game. He’s very crafty. He’s going to be great, man. I love going against him. He’s got a little swagger with me, so guys like that, you love going against him. They get the best out of you.’ ‘
Baker recorded 52 receptions for 1,139 yards and seven touchdowns for the Golden Knights last season. He was a huge threat, averaging 21.9 yards per reception. One of his best games was against a ranked Oklahoma team on the road in October, when he recorded five receptions for 134 yards and two touchdowns, including an 86-yard score.
It remains to be seen whether that explosiveness will fully translate to the professional level, but the results on the training pitch have been encouraging so far.
“Separation, that’s what I’ve been working on this summer,” Baker told reporters on Monday. “Just separating myself from the defense. And when I get the ball, that’s when the YAC (yards after catch) comes in.”
Baker’s dedication to constant improvement has also been visible. And that’s exactly what you want from a newbie. He has enormous confidence and it will be exciting for Patriots fans to see him bring that swagger to the field in September.
“Every day I try to become better. One percent better,” Baker said. “Whatever it takes — 1-on-1, blocking, catching. If I’m improving, I’m good.”
