Sportsnaut
The Patriots are preparing for their first preseason game later this week, and training camp will soon be wrapping up. It’s been an eventful camp, and we’ve learned a lot about this roster.
In particular, the wide receiver position has been fun to watch. Last summer, the wide receiver spot was arguably the weakest position room on the team. This summer, though? The competition at wide receiver has been one of the toughest of all positions.
Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins were added in free agency, while Kyle Williams was drafted in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. In addition, the team has young talents like DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Ja’Lynn Polk, and Javon Baker competing for spots, as well as veteran Kendrick Bourne.
Diggs, Hollins, Douglas, and Williams are thought of as locks, which means there are several talented players competing for likely two spots. Patriots insider Andrew Callahan recently shared that an oft-overlooked member of this group has actually been standing out lately.
Per Callahan, Baker has had the “highest highs” of any receiver and has a real shot of making the final roster.
“Javon Baker running with the starters. This guy has had the highest of the highs among the receivers. He’s also had some pretty big lows. But the point is when it’s good, it’s good,” Callahan said on “Pats Interference.”
It will be interesting to see what this means for Baker’s future. Is it really possible that Baker starts over Hollins or Douglas? Or is it more likely the team is trying to generate trade interest in the former fourth-round pick ahead of cut day?
As a rookie, Baker played in 11 games and caught just one pass for 12 yards. It was a disappointing debut considering the Patriots had a weak receiver room and Baker still wasn’t able to play a role. However, it’s possible the UCF product has taken a step forward this summer, so it will be interesting to see if he truly can carve out a role.
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