Javon Baker appears to be trending in a different direction — a positive direction — as he tries to emerge from a crowded Patriots receiver room.
It’s not strictly a result of highlight-reel catches Baker made during the opening weeks of training camp. The second-year wideout has displayed his physical ability in the past, after all.
This time around Baker is gaining traction by adding versatility every sixth (or seventh?) receiver needs.
“If they say, ‘Go to special teams, go to kicker, whatever,’ I’m gonna do what they want me to do,” Baker said after training camp practice at Gillette Stadium on Sunday.
Baker received his first dose of special teams during New England’s preseason opener against the Washington Commanders on Friday night. He played opposite standout special teamer Brenden Schooler and recorded a pair of tackles for Jeremy Springer’s unit. In a game Baker didn’t record a reception on two targets, he still made impact.
Could it leave a mark on head coach Mike Vrabel? Sure could.
“I think that’s fantastic,” said Vrabel, who hopes the added responsibility will help Baker’s confidence and entice teammates to do the same.
“When you have players, especially receivers, that can create a role, that can help you be big, physical, everything that we see out of Javon as a receiver, when they can embrace that as special teams players, guys that are big and physical and fast and willing, that translates to special teams,” Vrabel said.
Sporting a noticeable smile while speaking to reporters Sunday, Baker acknowledged Vrabel’s public praise. The 23-year-old very clearly appreciated it.
“It means a lot,” Baker said. “Coach Vrabel, he’s kind of hands-on, so I like that as a player. Coach got to tell you when you’re doing right, and coach got to tell you when you’re doing wrong.
“He lets us know,” Baker continued. “And he talks a little trash, too, so I love it.”
Baker is gaining ground in competition for the sixth roster spot, especially with Kendrick Bourne and Ja’Lynn Polk both sidelined due to injury. The Patriots appear to have a surefire five with Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams, Kayshon Boutte and Mack Hollins. Efton Chism III and Baker seemingly are competing to be No. 6, though it’s no certainty the Patriots will keep more than five.
Patriots insiders Tom E. Curran and Phil Perry weighed in on Baker’s improved standing during the Patriots Talk podcast.
“It’s really interesting to hear (Vrabel’s comments) because I think that goes to how Vrabel leads,” Curran said. “He’s ridden the s— out of the kid on different occasions — loudly and publicly. And every time the kid does something right, Vrabel will then say, ‘OK, we’ll give you more. We’ll give you more.’ And Javon Baker is, as a player, responding to it by playing better for the New England Patriots.”
Perry released his 53-man roster projection and predicted both Baker and Chism will earn spots in a seven-man receiver room. Perry believes Marcellas Dial’s torn ACL opens a spot on special teams.
Perry also believes Vrabel’s praises speak volumes.
“It is a good example for Vrabel to use for the rest of the team, as a guy who might’ve not always had his head screwed on straight a year ago, who really didn’t do anything a year ago to warrant a roster spot for this season,” Perry said on the Patriots Talk podcast. “But he can use Baker as an example for the rest of the group, ‘Hey, if you show up and do the little things I ask you to do, I’ll praise you in the media and I might even give you a job.'”
Baker still has a long way to go, of course. But with a pair of receivers, as well as special teams contributor Lan Larison injured, he is firmly in the mix for a spot — largely because of his added role.
