FOXBORO — Versatility will probably be key because the Patriots whittle down their broad receiver corps at 53-man roster cuts.
Javon Baker, a 2024 fourth-round choose, received out to a robust begin in Friday’s preseason sport, proving that he might be greater than only a pass-catcher for the Patriots.
Baker lined up throughout from Brenden Schooler as a high gunner on the Patriots’ punt crew and ended the 48-18 win with two particular groups tackles.
“I believe that that’s improbable,” head coach Mike Vrabel mentioned when requested about gamers who’re attempting to contribute in a couple of part. “We’ve received gamers, particularly receivers, that may create a job they usually might help you, and they are often huge and bodily, and the whole lot that we see on Javon as a receiver. When you may embrace that, they usually can embrace that as particular groups gamers, guys are huge and bodily and quick and keen, that interprets to particular groups. So, excited and simply completely happy for Javon, simply having the ability to go on the market and contribute, and while you do these issues, your teammates get excited, and hopefully his confidence continues to develop.”
Baker mentioned he had by no means performed particular groups previous to becoming a member of the Patriots and that he had by no means even performed protection. So, tackling is new for the younger broad receiver.
He’s received a fantastic participant to observe and study from, nonetheless.
“One of the best within the league,” Baker mentioned. “Brenden Schooler. Why not? Each down, each play, he does 110% going 100 miles per hour.”
Baker says he embraces the chance to play particular groups “rather a lot, particularly if it creates a job on this crew.”
Schooler was a first-team All-Professional final season. Marcellas Dial appeared primed to play gunner reverse Schooler earlier than touchdown on injured reserve with an ACL tear. If Baker can proceed to progress as a gunner, it may earn him a spot on the 53-man roster.
Initially Printed:
