The Patriots' wide receiver room was expected to be ultra competitive once training camp began, as 12 players are currently signed to the roster. It's the first time in several years that the offense has had enough talent for there to be battles to make the final team, which shows just how crucial it was to add the right people to the team by the new regime led by Mike Vrabel.
There are already a few names deemed roster locks, like Stefon Diggs and rookie Kyle Williams, but beyond them, it appears there is an open competition for at least the remaining four spots in the receiving corps.
It has led to many standout moments at training camp thus far, with Kayshon Boutte and DeMario Douglas becoming the highlights of almost every practice. But a new name has joined the group this week, which couldn't happen at a better time, given how far away he seems to be from making this year's roster: Javon Baker.
The Patriots' receiver battle might be picking up now that Javon Baker is stringing together some standout practices
The 2024 fourth-round draft pick had a less-than-ordinary rookie season with the limited time he was given to make an impression. That meant he only recorded one reception for 12 yards all year, with most snaps spent with special teams when given the opportunity to take the field.
As a result, he faces significant pressure to stand out during training camp and preseason this summer. This past week, he delivered, drawing a comparison to a Patriots great in Randy Moss.
New play of the day: Javon Baker MOSSES Marcellas Dial. Pass by Joshua Dobbs.
— Zac Ventola (@NEPatriotsToday) July 29, 2025
Although it was a play made with the backups, it's still significant progress for Baker to prove that he can be a viable weapon for the Patriots' offense. He's already in a tough spot with the amount of competition he has to breakthrough in order to even be considered for a role on the roster, so if he can string more of these moments together, it will make it hard for Vrabel and Co. to overlook him.
At this point, he appears to be further ahead than his fellow draft class teammate, Ja'Lynn Polk, who has been sidelined with injuries and has almost become a forgotten part of the team. That could work in Baker's favor, as long as he keeps creating highlight moments for himself like he has done over the past few days.
The competition will only be heating up as the days continue to pass, so if he hopes to be on the New England roster this fall, he will need to step up his game and carve out a role for himself on the team. Early reports suggested he made a good impression on the new coaching staff this past spring, and that will need to continue, or he will likely be playing elsewhere in 2025.