Patriots OC Alex Van Pelt provides disappointing update about exciting rookie

Coming out of the 2024 NFL Draft, Patriots fans were excited about a handful of players the new regime was able to select, with the focus (of course) being on Drake Maye. Expectations for his starting future were tempered, however, and have since picked up, but there was a lot of hype around the wide receivers they picked, even if they weren't the first-round talent most fans were hoping for.

Both second-rounder Ja'Lynn Polk and fourth-round pick Javon Baker sporadically flashed at different times during the summer, looking like the players the Patriots offense had long needed. Polk has lived up to what he showed during the preseason, but we have yet to see Baker involved in the offensive game plan heading into Week 5.

His season began chaotically, as he was a healthy scratch, presumably due to a social media post the coaching staff were not thrilled about. But since then, he has been active on game day, just not being utilized.

It's brought up a lot of questions over the past month to offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, who has consistently had a lot to say about Baker and his development. There was hope that as the season progressed, the rookie would be more actively involved in the offensive game plan, but the latest update about his status from the Patriots playcaller doesn't provide much optimism that it will happen any time soon.

Alex Van Pelt's latest update on Javon Baker is not what Patriots fans want to hear

The Patriots offensive coordinator spoke to reporters on Thursday morning and was quickly asked for an update about Baker's potential availability in the upcoming games. He has only been on the field for six snaps through the first four games, which doesn't seem too promising, which Van Pelt tried to counter with an optimistic answer about his development.

“He’s an extremely talented guy. His ability to play the ball in the air and his ball skills are great. His ability to win and separate is there. For Javon, it’s really the details: lining up correctly, running the right routes, earning the trust of the coaching staff and the quarterback, as well. But there’s a bright future there. Just have to tighten down the details.”

While it's good to hear that he seems to be moving in the right direction, it's also disappointing that he likely won't be more involved with the offense despite it's stagnant start to the season any time soon.

Baker has shown he can be the deep ball receiver the Patriots have needed for years when given the opportunity and could be a solid weapon for Jacoby Brissett amidst all the offensive troubles. He hasn't been perfect, as he did fall down the depth chart as the summer progressed. However, he has shown flashes of standout play that will be a welcomed addition once he's more included in the game plan.

The hope is that it is sooner rather than later, especially since his selection in the draft garnered some of the most excitement from the Patriots fanbase. It's clear the offense needs a boost, which might come in the form of Kendrick Bourne when he returns, and it would be incredible if Baker could be the one to put the group over the top at some point this year.

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