Wide receiver Javon Baker showed plenty of confidence after being drafted by the Patriots
One thing that’s quickly apparent about wide receiver Javon Baker? He’s a quote machine. Baker was drafted by the Patriots in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft on…
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 29: Javon Baker #1 of the UCF Knights runs the ball against Wilson Huber #2 of the Cincinnati Bearcats in the third quarter at FBC Mortgage Stadium on October 29, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Julio Aguilar/Getty ImagesOne thing that’s quickly apparent about wide receiver Javon Baker? He’s a quote machine.
Baker was drafted by the Patriots in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft on Saturday, 110th overall. That represented a bit of a fall for Baker, who some projected to be a top-100 pick.
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Baker himself clearly felt the wait. After getting drafted he joined Instagram live. “It took too f—ing long. You’ve gotta pay,” he said while celebrating.
When he joined this conference call with Patriots reporters shortly after his pick, Baker’s confidence was clear. He had plenty to say with multiple quotes going viral on social media.
Outspoken wide receivers are nothing new in the NFL. Many of the league’s best stars at the position have also been some of the best headline-makers. Baker is right out of the Terrell Owens-Chad Ochocinco-Steve Smith era of the league, based off of what he had to say on Saturday.
If there’s one thing the Patriots won’t have to worry about with Baker, it’s confidence. Here are the highlights from his introductory call with the media on Saturday (you can watch the full thing here)...
On what fans should know about his game
“Just come to the home stadium and bring your popcorn, as I like to tell y’all. Bring your popcorn. I make people in wheelchairs stand up. Bring your popcorn.”
This was the first question Baker got from Patriots media. He came right out of the gate letting us know who he is and what he's about.
On what he’s hoping to prove with the Patriots
“Prove them everything. Prove to them what I can do. Prove to them I can do everything as a receiver. I would do anything to win, like just prove them that. Honestly, I am a team player and I want to prove to the team that I am one of them.”
This was a common theme during Baker's press conference. He repeatedly referenced not being limited to just one position or one role.
On how he feels he can change a game
“My mentality. I am a receiver. I don’t do anything but receiving the ball. I don’t care if that ball is thrown out of bounds at the sideline, I’m going to receive the ball. So, at the end of the day, it’s that right there. My mentality is just different from any other receiver. I can get down and dirty, I can do anything. So, that right there, my mentality alone can just do anything as a receiver.”
Baker said something similar during a podcast with legendary NFL wide receiver Steve Smith during the pre-draft process. You can check that out here.
On the future for him, Drake Maye, and Ja’Lynn Polk
“Just us three alone is bringing back the winning mentality that everybody likes in Boston.”
Is this the trio that will bring championship mentality back to Boston sports? We'll see how the Celtics and Bruins do tonight following the pick...
Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.
