The roster competition at wide receiver was not one anyone anticipated would become as heated as it has for the Patriots this offseason, but they are fortunate to be in a position that they will have to make some tough dismissals by roster cutdowns. That isn't something they have dealt with for a long time, but it couldn't be happening at a better time with a young quarterback in tow.
There are only a few names that are deemed locks at this point in training camp, with Stefon Diggs leading the charge and DeMario Douglas and rookie Kyle Williams not far behind. Beyond them, it's a wide-open competition, and second-year receiver Javon Baker is making sure that he isn't easily forgotten after an underwhelming rookie year.
The UCF alum came into Foxboro determined to prove every team that passed on him wrong, having fallen to the fourth round despite the excitement surrounding his introduction to the NFL. His often erratic play is likely what led to that, but we didn't get to see much of what he could do last year, as he was usually a healthy scratch or riding the bench.
Knowing that his opportunity to continue an NFL career might rest on whether he makes the Patriots roster for the 2025 season has presumably fueled him this summer, while also being mentored by some of his older teammates, like Diggs, in the process. And it's already proving to be paying off.
Javon Baker is going to make it difficult for the Patriots to cut him ahead of the 2025 season
Among the many changes needed in the Patriots' coaching staff was having a leader who wouldn't tolerate any nonsense. That's not because the team was necessarily goofing off, although that could be argued, but because there were so many young players on the roster who needed more proper guidance, and because there was none, they went astray.
You could say that about Baker, who wasn't put into a good position during his rookie season to thrive. From the decisions regarding the quarterback position to a questionable offensive coordinator, the offense in general was a mess, and therefore, so was Baker's performance.
Going into the 2025 season, however, he's actively competing for a roster spot and already looks ahead of fellow 2024 draftee Ja'Lynn Polk. That was even more apparent during the Patriots' preseason opener, as Baker spent far more time on the field, even if it was with special teams and not the offense, than Polk, and that could be his way to making the 2025 squad.
That would be quite a step forward for Baker, who was consistently benched in favor of Polk last year, but the situations surrounding their futures appear to have changed.
Both are in a tough spot and are long shots to make the roster. It won't be easy to guarantee they have a role this upcoming season, but Baker continues to do all the right things so far. He's been consistent and reliable for Drake Maye during several drills, with his performance standing out on several days, and he has been impressing Vrabel regarding his performance on special teams.
If he can keep that up, there's good reason to believe he will be on the team this fall and for good reason.