You can tell that there’s a new era in New England simply because of the way their players are willing to talk publicly.
In his first message after being 110th overall by the Patriots today, wide receiver Javon Baker had a strong message after falling to the 4th round of the draft. He made it clear that teams made a mistake by not drafting him earlier.
“Took to (expletive) long. Ya gotta pay… Took too long! Y’all finna pay!” Baker said on Instagram.
Baker played four seasons of college football split between Alabama and UCF. He had just nine receptions for 116 yards and one score in two years with the Crimson Tide, but enjoyed a breakout season with UCF in 2023.
This past year he had 52 receptions for a career-high 1,139 yards and seven touchdowns.
But Baker’s fall in the draft could have had something to do with a less than astounding 40-time. He ran a 4.54 in February and doesn’t have the greatest size.
That said, it’s going to come down to a lot more than just his physical abilities if he wants to prove his doubters wrong.
Right now the Patriots’ QBs room consists of journeyman Jacoby Brissett and rookie Drake Maye. He also joins a team with a brand new coaching staff.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if Baker struggles to be productive in his first year.
That said, Bill Belichick never would have let one of his rookie players make a statement like that on Draft Day.