The Patriots underwent countless changes during the 2024 offseason, the most notable being the dismissal of longtime head coach Bill Belichick in favor of new head coach Jerod Mayo. They were also expected to make a big change at quarterback, given that they held the fourth overall pick, which led to the trade of Mac Jones to the Jaguars in free agency.
Come draft night, they were lucky to have UNC's Drake Maye fall right into their lap, who they reportedly had their eye on well before the draft began. The rest of their picks over the following days prioritized the offense around the rookie, which is why they double dipped at wide receiver and the offensive line.
It led to a lot of excitement surrounding the pass catchers, particularly second-rounder Ja'Lynn Polk and fourth-rounder Javon Baker. However, their performances throughout the 2024 season were much worse than anticipated, with little to explain other than improper coaching and a lack of inclusion in the game plan.
Maye had made it clear he wanted to involve them more throughout the year, only for it to never happen. The plan, of course, is for that to change this fall, assuming they remain with the team, which seems to be what Mike Vrabel and Co. hope for according to the latest update surrounding (at least) Baker.
Promising Javon Baker update is exactly what the Patriots need heading into free agency
Despite having a roster that is predominantly underwhelming and lacking flashy talent, the Patriots have a deep receiving corps this offseason that showed a lot of potential last year. We know what guys like Kendrick Bourne and DeMario Douglas are capable of, but the offense's struggles hindered their production tremendously.
That included the rookies, especially Baker, who was expected to play explosively but barely saw the field for the entire season. Fortunately for him, though, the new regime doesn't view him as a draft bust like many have already labeled him and, in fact, believes he is their most talented pass catcher on the roster.
"A league source familiar with the Patriots' roster believes Javon Baker remains their most talented wideout, and another source expressed Baker has recommitted himself this offseason after a disappointing rookie season."
This is quite a surprising view point given what we saw from Baker last year, and the assumption was he would be a fringe player this offseason. But there's a reason he was drafted in the fourth round and why there was excitement around what he could bring to the NFL. It seems like offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels sees a lot of potential in what he can add to the offense.
That couldn't be a better standing for Baker heading into a very telling second year and it's great news for Maye, too, who needs to have a well established receiver room to truly help him flourish in the league.
If the new regime can get great production out of Baker and Polk, there will be less pressure on them to add significant talent to the roster before the season begins. Of course, it shouldn't be avoided, but if McDaniels can elevate the players already on the roster, then adding another isn't as crucial or, at the very best, would only elevate the group even more.