Instant analysis of Patriots' fourth-round draft pick UCF WR Javon Baker

The New England Patriots selected University of Central Florida WR Javon Baker with the 110th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.

A to Z Sports' draft analyst James Foster ranks Baker as his 84th best overall prospect and 16th receiver. 

Player Scouting Report from A to Z Sports Film Room's James Foster

Strengths: (Copied from James Foster's Big Board

• Good size & length for an X-WR
• High-points difficult contested targets & always catches away from his frame
• Sinks hips & decelerates efficiently 
• Players with an ideal competitive edge
• Creative and nuanced route runner with aggressive salesmanship
• Uses rocker steps to manipulate CBs' hips
• Flashed power & elusiveness after the catch 
• Unbothered by physicality at the route or catch point
• Can track over his shoulder & secure the ball in tight pockets

Weaknesses: (Copied from James Foster's Big Board)

• Lacks 2nd gear to out-stride CBs vertically
• Struggle with focus drops
• 11.4% career drop rate
• Needs to trim the fat off of some of his releases 
• Inconsistent focus & physicality at the catch point, despite flashes of dominance 
• Takes plays off when he isn't the primary read

Analysis and Opinion

Eliot Wolf talked about protection and weapons for the offensive after picking quarterback Drake Maye with the third overall pick. And that's exactly what they have done. 

Plus they might have truly gotten a steal in the fourth round by selecting Baker with the 110th pick. 

He averaged 21.9 yards per reception at UCF, finishing the season with 52 catches for 1,139 yards and seven touchdowns. And it's the second receiver the Patriots have selected, taking Washington's Ja'Lynn Polk in the second round. 

There are now too many receivers on the Patriots roster, but Baker, Polk, and DeMario Douglas could prove to be an elite trio for New England next season. 

One thing if for sure: this will be fun to watch.  

Picks So Far

1-3: UNC QB Drake Maye

2-37: Washington WR Ja'Lynn Polk

3-68: Penn State OT Caedan Wallace

4-103: Texas A&M OG Layden Robinson

4-110: UCF WR Javon Baker