Wide receiver Javon Baker provided an electrifying glimpse of his abilities when asked to assess what the New England Patriots acquired with their fourth-round pick in the NFL Draft on Saturday.
“Simply come to the stadium and bring your popcorn,” Baker exclaimed. “That’s all I can say to you. Bring your popcorn. I have the capability to get people in wheelchairs on their feet.”
For a player with such prowess, one might expect him to be selected before the 110th pick, especially not as the 18th wide receiver chosen. That’s certainly what Baker believed.
Upon hearing his name called, Baker expressed his feelings on Instagram: “Took too (expletive) long.”
This draft snub only fueled Baker’s determination.
“My mindset is to dominate whoever lines up against me,” Baker declared. “It’s all about the Mamba mentality. That’s it.”
Baker, drafted from UCF, previously spent two seasons at Alabama. Interestingly, the Patriots used the third pick in the draft on quarterback Drake Maye, who nearly joined Baker at Alabama but ultimately opted for North Carolina.
Baker revealed his acquaintance with Maye during the quarterback’s deliberations about joining Alabama.
“People may not know this,” Baker disclosed, “but when Drake Maye was initially committed to Bama, we used to practice and throw passes together. Drake Maye and I have developed a connection. In my opinion, Drake Maye is the top quarterback in this draft. We’ll reconnect, and it’ll be a strong connection. …
“I appreciate a competitive quarterback, and that’s exactly what I seek. Someone who can push me, and I’ll do the same for him.”
Baker likened the Patriots to a “winning-mentality organization,” reminiscent of his time at Alabama. However, while Alabama boasts a consistently stellar record, the Patriots have faced challenges in recent years.
Nevertheless, Baker, along with Maye and Washington wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk, believes they can restore a winning ethos to New England.
“Just the three of us can revive the winning culture that Boston loves,” Baker asserted.
Matt Groh, the Patriots’ director of player personnel, expressed confidence in the potential of their new recruits.
“Considering he came from Alabama,” Groh remarked, “they tend to identify wide receivers early. They don’t offer just anybody to play that position. Coach Saban and his team know what they’re looking for.
“It didn’t pan out for Javon at Alabama, but that doesn’t mean it won’t work here. We’ve seen the talent firsthand.”
Baker’s stint at Alabama yielded modest statistics, but his time at UCF under Gus Malzahn showcased his true potential, with impressive numbers over two seasons.
