FOXBORO — Versatility will be key as the Patriots whittle down their wide receiver corps at 53-man roster cuts.
Javon Baker, a 2024 fourth-round pick, got out to a strong start in Friday’s preseason game, proving that he can be more than just a pass-catcher for the Patriots.
Baker lined up across from Brenden Schooler as a top gunner on the Patriots’ punt team and ended the 48-18 win with two special teams tackles.
“I think that that’s fantastic,” head coach Mike Vrabel said when asked about players who are trying to contribute in more than one phase. “We’ve got players, especially receivers, that can create a role and they can help you, and they can be big and physical, and everything that we see on Javon as a receiver. When you can embrace that, and they can embrace that as special teams players, guys are big and physical and fast and willing, that translates to special teams. So, excited and just happy for Javon, just being able to go out there and contribute, and when you do those things, your teammates get excited, and hopefully his confidence continues to grow.”
Baker said he had never played special teams prior to joining the Patriots and that he had never even played defense. So, tackling is new for the young wide receiver.
He’s got a great player to watch and learn from, however.
“The best in the league,” Baker said. “Brenden Schooler. Why not? Every down, every play, he does 110% going 100 miles per hour.”
Baker says he embraces the opportunity to play special teams “a lot, especially if it creates a role on this team.”
Schooler was a first-team All-Pro last season. Marcellas Dial seemed primed to play gunner opposite Schooler before landing on injured reserve with an ACL tear. If Baker can continue to progress as a gunner, it could earn him a spot on the 53-man roster.
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