FOXBORO, Mass. — Javon Baker isn’t exactly off to a flying start with the New England Patriots. In fact, given all that’s gone wrong in New England, some fans would be forgiven for forgetting Baker even is on the roster.
Baker has his own issues preventing him from seeing more playing time, and Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt talked about some of those coaching points Thursday morning. However, Baker, a fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, is far from the only mid-round rookie receiver struggling to make an impact on game day.
Let’s go over Baker’s situation, then touch on other post-Round 1 rookie wideouts who disappointed in the first four weeks.
Why Isn’t Javon Baker Playing More for the Patriots?
Baker was a healthy scratch in Week 1, saw just six offensive snaps in Week 2, played only special teams in Week 3, and didn’t see the field at all in Week 4. The wildly talented rookie hasn’t been targeted once.
Javon Baker cooking at Training Camp 🔥
–#patriots #nfl #pats #newenglandpatriots
Patriots Coverage Powered by @Gametime @PrizePicks pic.twitter.com/IY67tCOe6s— Patriots on CLNS Media (@PatriotsCLNS) July 28, 2024
So, what’s going on? Well, there are multiple factors.
Baker was electric early in training camp, but issues with drops and route running caused a late-summer slide down the depth chart.
Then, before the season opener, Baker generated controversy by posting an anti-police rant after receiving a traffic ticket. After Baker received an undisclosed punishment, he showed zero remorse during a conversation with Pro Football Network. It’s unclear whether the remarks contributed to Baker’s Week 1 benching.
Before Thursday’s practice, Van Pelt was asked what he’s observed from Baker behind the scenes and what the rookie must do to see his role increase.
“He’s an extremely talented guy,” Van Pelt said. “His ability to play the ball in the air and his ball skills are great. His ability to win and separate is there.
“For Javon, it’s really the details: lining up correctly, running the right routes, earning the trust of the coaching staff and the quarterback, as well. But there’s a bright future there. Just have to tighten down the details.”
Alex Van Pelt said Javon Baker is highly talented but "needs to tighten down the details" — including lining up correctly — before seeing more work on offense.
Baker's seen just six offensive snaps this season, all in one game. pic.twitter.com/kz15ZifpFz
— Dakota Randall (@DakRandall) October 3, 2024
While Van Pelt didn’t say this, part of Baker’s problem could be that he’s playing in a dysfunctional, trainwreck offense. The Patriots, who allowed the highest QB pressure rate in the first four weeks, per TruMedia, have little margin for error.
They don’t have room for a receiver who can’t be trusted to be in the right spots.
Nevertheless, early-season struggles are common for rookie wideouts, especially those drafted in the middle rounds. Let’s look at other freshmen wideouts who were quiet in the first month.
4 Other Disappointing Mid-Round NFL Rookie Receivers
Malachi Corley, New York Jets
As the 65th overall pick, Malachi Corley is the highest-drafted player on this list.
The Western Kentucky product was drafted to be a speedy, play-making option for Aaron Rodgers. And, of course, he still could grow into that role.
But Corley was a complete non-factor in the first four weeks. He saw just one offensive snap in each of the first two games, played only special teams (one snap) in Week 3, and was benched for all of last Sunday’s loss to the Denver Broncos.
Corley’s only target came in Week 2 when he delivered a four-yard catch. That’s it.
New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh was asked about Corley’s role earlier this week.
“He just needs to continue to work,” Saleh told reporters. “There’s a group of receivers ahead of him that are operating a little bit better than he is right now. We as coaches also have to continue to work to develop him and get him ready to contribute to the offense.”
Of course, Corley would slide even further down the depth chart if the Jets traded for Davante Adams.
Jermaine Burton, Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals selected Jermaine Burton with the 80th overall pick in the NFL Draft. The 6-foot receiver has the size and ability to be a dangerous downfield option for Joe Burrow.
Exhibit A: Burton’s 47-yard catch against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2.
JOE BURROW TO JERMAINE BURTON BOMB 💣 pic.twitter.com/tjYtMVGECE
— PFF (@PFF) September 15, 2024
That’s Burton’s only catch of the season. He’s been targeted just twice, both in that game.
Like Baker and Corley, Burton hasn’t done enough to earn a major role on Sundays. He’s seen just 21 offensive snaps this season, and 10 of them came in Week 3.
“It’s hard to predict into the future,” Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher said when asked about Burton last week via WLWT-TV’s Charlie Clifford. “I see Jermaine as a growing, young player who has a role for us right now. He has that ability to grow that role tremendously during his time here.
“How the pieces fit around him will play into how fast that growth occurs. How he continues to approach the week-to-week will impact how fast that growth occurs. Everything that we have seen and sensed from him over the past month-plus is trending absolutely in the right direction.”
Troy Franklin, Denver Broncos
When the Broncos selected Troy Franklin No. 102 overall, many believed the Oregon product would show immediate chemistry with college teammate Bo Nix.
However, although Franklin has the most catches of any receiver in this story, he still posted just four catches for nine yards on 10 targets in the first month. After being a healthy scratch in Week 1, Franklin played in the next three games and saw his snap count increase in each contest.
So, there’s a chance Franklin becomes more productive as the season progresses. But right now, he’s a non-factor in one of the NFL‘s worst offenses.
Devontez Walker, Baltimore Ravens
The 113th overall pick in the draft, Devontez Walker is buried on the Baltimore Ravens’ receiver depth chart.
The UNC product, who was limited during training camp due to a rib injury, was a healthy scratch for the first four weeks. Zero snaps, zero targets — nothing.
That’s especially disappointing when you consider the Ravens’ second-best receiver is either Rashod Bateman or Nelson Agholor. Walker has an opportunity to carve out a role in a limited receiver room, but thus far, he’s been unable to earn any playing time.
Could that change? Sure, but at this juncture, Walker appears primed to basically red-shirt his rookie campaign.