Patriots Rookie Javon Baker, Who Hasn't Played A Down In The NFL, Claims He's A Top 10 WR
There is an incredibly fine line between being confident and arrogant. New England Patriots draftee Javon Baker has crossed wayyyy over that line.
Just six days ago, the Patriots selected Baker out of UCF in the fourth round with the 110th overall pick. As a New England fan, I’m stoked about this pick. Baker should provide a much-needed boost to a weak wideout room with his play-making ability, and could form a solid one-two punch with fellow rookie Ja’Lynn Polk.
Baker with UCF in 2023. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
But before any of that happens, he might want to eat a slice or two of humble pie.
In a video he posted on Instagram, he stated that no one could name 10 current NFL wide receivers who are better than him. That’s right, a guy who has not played a single down of NFL football believes that he’s already a top wideout in the league.
Now I get it, Baker had a solid senior season for the Knights. He caught 52 passes for 1,139 yards and 7 touchdowns, and was named first-team All-Big 12. Not a bad year by any means.
But holy crap my man, take a chill pill.
Without trying to completely disrespect the Big 12, it’s not exactly a conference brimming with talented defensive backs. Racking up 1,000 yards in that conference isn’t the most impressive thing I’ve ever seen.
Furthermore, I think that CeeDee Lamb, Tyreek Hill, Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, A.J. Brown, Cooper Kupp, Davante Adams, Stefon Diggs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Mike Evans, and several others would all like a word with Baker to let him know where he belongs in the league.
I don’t ever want Baker to stop being confident, and I want him - scratch that, need him - to do well. But I also think he should get a few solid years under his belt before he starts making audacious claims like this.