The NFL Draft will begin on April 25, 2024. We take a look at UCF wide receiver Javon Baker, who is coming off a fantastic Senior Bowl showing with the combine, pro days, and draft day quickly approaching.
Baker was rated a four-star recruit by ESPN and 247 Sports coming out of high school. He eventually committed to Alabama before transferring to UCF under Gus Malzhan.
The versatile threat appeared in 39 games across his college career, racking up 117 receptions, 2,051 yards (17.5 YPC), and 13 touchdowns. Over the span of his career, he had an elite quarterback rating average of 115.4. He’s been rising up draft boards since shining during the Senior Bowl.
Make sure to check out all of our other NFL Draft scouting reports.
Javon Baker, WR, UCF
Name: Javon Baker
Jersey: No. 1
Position: Wide Receiver
School: UCF
Class: Senior
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 208 lbs.
Awards: Second-Team All-AAC (2022) Big 12’s Leading Receiver in 2023 (1,139 yards)
Games Watched: SMU (2022), Tulane (2022), Oklahoma (2023), Oklahoma State (2023), West Virginia (2023)
Major Injury History: None
For the people asking me why I’m so high on Javon Baker:
During the Senior Bowl week, he consistent with creating separation. Good release and quickness off the LOS. Impressive body control and tracking skills. THREAD⬇️
pic.twitter.com/UGfdOYcAG8— • Colton Edwards • (@cedwardsNFL) February 11, 2024
Javon Baker’s Strengths
Baker showcases work ethic, always fighting for that extra yard. Consistent with creating separation at all levels of a route. His combination of size and quickness allows him to create yards after the catch (YAC). Impressive release with quickness off the line of scrimmage (LOS) with the ability to win against NFL-caliber press coverage. Displays great body control and ball-tracking skills with the ability to go up and high-point the ball in contested catch situations, showcasing strong hands. A fluid athlete with excellent short-area quickness. Route-running is spot-on, using his movements to manipulate defenders to find the soft spot. Dangerous speed across the short and intermediate part of the field.
Javon Baker’s Weaknesses
Occasionally lacks elite stopping ability at the break of routes. Despite his strong hands, he had concentration drops over the past couple of seasons. Can hurt you vertically but lacks elite speed to consistently beat top NFL talent.
Summary
All-around, starting-caliber wide receiver at the next level. Prototypical size with 9 ⅝-inch hands and 78-inch wingspan. His length makes him one of the most reliable targets in the draft when it comes to converting at the point of catch. Baker demonstrates elite catching instincts — impressive high-end body control, flexibility, patience, reaction speed, spacing, hand-eye coordination, and strong hands. Along with his athleticism and blocking ability, he has the skill set to be a dominant Z receiver with rotation through the X role. With some further refinement in concentration and consistency, his ceiling is high.
Pro Comparison: Michael Crabtree
Draft Projection: Fourth Round
Grade: Second Round
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