It’s officially a new era in New England, and we can fully expect Mike Vrabel to do things differently compared to the previous two coaching staffs. His fingerprints will be all over the roster, and you can count on several players from the old regime not making it through the cutdowns.
One player who is already on the outside looking in is Javon Baker, the fourth-round selection from the 2024 NFL Draft.
Baker was the second receiver whom the Patriots drafted last year, and there is no guarantee that he will be on the roster going into Year 2. Baker played just 90 offensive snaps last year, catching just one pass for 12 yards, according to Pro Football Reference.
Baker’s situation in New England just got a whole lot more troubling after the Patriots signed Stefon Diggs this offseason. The expectation is that Diggs, Mack Hollins, and Demaro “Pop” Douglas will be the top three receivers on the depth chart to open the season. Kyle Williams, a third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, could compete for snaps and is expected to see the field early.
The Patriots' wide receiver competition could easily leave Javon Baker on the outside looking in
That leaves Kendrick Bourne, Kayshon Boutte, Ja’Lynn Polk, and Baker fighting for the final one or two spots on the roster. Bourne and Boutte are the more experienced players, and Polk could get another chance after being a second-round pick just a year ago. Baker is going to need to significantly outplay all three names ahead of him just to make the 53-man roster.
There is no question Baker is a talented player, but there was nothing from his rookie season that suggests he is ready for a bigger role in the offense. Baker struggled with drops during his rookie training camp and even got into some hot water after a controversial Instagram post, which led to questions about his maturity. It's a very minor issue, but not the type of thing a player fighting for a roster spot can afford.
Time will tell if Baker can make the roster, and he’s going to need a really strong preseason in order to make the team. But with Vrabel likely to keep veterans at the bottom of the wide receiver depth chart, don’t be surprised if Baker is out after only one season with the team. Needless to say, it’s a make-or-break season for the former Central Florida star heading into Year 2.