Ourlads' Profile:
2024 Guide: What Ourlads’ NFL Scouting Services said about JAVON BAKER:
Central Florida | HT: 6012 | WT: 202 | 40 time: 4.54 | Arm: 3214 | Hand: 0958 | Wing: 7814
Two-year starter. All-Big 12 in 2023 and 2022, first-team last fall. Spent two seasons at Alabama in a backup/rotational role prior to transferring to Central Florida. Was in a crowded wide receiver room early in his career, playing behind the likes of first rounders Jameson Williams, Jaylen Waddle, and DeVonta Smith. There simply were not enough passes to go around in that offense. He was immediately the number one receiver at Central Florida and ended up leading the country in yards per catch (21.9) among receivers with over 33 catches in 2023. Made the most of his opportunities, finishing ninth in the country in yards per route run but his 17.1 yard average depth of target was higher than anyone in the top 25. Baker is a unique downfield threat who excels in 50/50 situations. His sudden change of direction and contact-strength sets him up well both as a route runner and ball carrier. His versatile game is NFL-ready and capable of fitting into a solid number two type. Balanced and explosive. Wins at all three levels of the route. Snappy turns and adjustments to both the coverage and ball give him timing-margin to work with. A winner in contested situations. Plays strong with a heavy frame. Understands how to set up defenders. Tracks the ball over the shoulder while swaying to an errant ball but remains under control. High points the ball and attacks with his hands. Strong and physical after the catch, can make something out of nothing. May not have the gear to stay over the top of a corner. Long speed can be caught. Too many drops and will show poor ball skills when coming back to the ball underneath. Needs more versatile route running experience.
2023 Stats: 52-1139, 21.9 ypr, 7 TD. OSR:27/33. Draft projection: 3rd/4th round