FOXBORO — Patriots rookie wide receiver Javon Baker made headlines with his bombast moments after being selected in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
The rookie wideout said his playing style makes “people in wheelchairs stand up” and told Patriots fans to bring their popcorn when they watch him play.
Patriots wide receivers coach Tyler Hughes had nothing but good things to say about his initial impression of the young wide receiver before Tuesday’s OTAs session, and he wants to let Baker be himself.
“I would say he’s got a great work ethic and he’s really coachable. He wants to be a good player. And I’ve been happy with the way that he’s approached this offseason and the effort that he’s put into it. I think that my thought is I don’t want to try to control things necessarily with him. I want him to have his own personality, his own way of doing things,” Hughes said. “At the same time for all of us, players, coaches, everybody that we all fit within like the general alignment of the program like Coach Mayo is instilling. So, I think that goes for all of us. Javon, he’s been competitive. He’s worked really hard, as I mentioned. He’s got a bright future in front of him.”
Baker was limited in Tuesday’s practice. He had been an early standout in rookie minicamp and OTAs.
