Javon Baker WR UCF | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Javon Baker WR UCF
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
ROLE: Outside X-Receiver | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Last Updated: 04/21/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Draft Year: 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
40 time: 4.54 seconds (36%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Age: 22.8 DOB: 02/18/2002 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bowl Invite: Senior Bowl | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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ROLE: Outside X-Receiver | |
Last Updated: 04/21/2024 | |
Draft Year: 2024 | |
40 time: 4.54 seconds (36%*) | |
Age: 22.8 DOB: 02/18/2002 | |
Bowl Invite: Senior Bowl | |
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Overall Rating: | 85.1 / 100 | |
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Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced | ||
Defense Rating: |
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75% |
Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
QB Rating When targeted: | 110.3 | |
Hands: |
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56% |
Short Receiving: |
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76% |
Intermediate Routes: |
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83% |
Deep Threat: |
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85% |
Blocking: |
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62% |
DRAFT PROJECTION:
3rd
Overall Rank:
#72
Position rank:
#15
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College Games: 38 College Snaps: 1628 | ||
College Combine Results
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Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
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Jalen Tolbert - South Alabama |
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92% |
Rashee Rice - SMU |
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89% |
Michael Wilson - Stanford |
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86% |
Drafted: ROUND: 4 - Pick Number: 110 (NE)
Draft Profile: Bio
Starting his collegiate journey at Alabama, this wide receiver shared the field with some of the most electrifying talents in college football. Despite a modest beginning, with only nine receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown over two seasons, his move to UCF marked a significant turning point. A former 4-star recruit, he was highly anticipated upon his transfer in 2022 and did not disappoint. In his first year with the Knights, he tallied 56 receptions for 796 yards and five touchdowns.His performance saw a notable uptick in 2023, capturing 52 catches for 1,139 yards and seven touchdowns, boasting an impressive average of 21.9 yards per reception. This remarkable season earned him a first-team All-Big 12 selection and an invitation to the prestigious Reese’s Senior Bowl, underscoring his readiness for the next level.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Brings NFL-ready size and strength, effectively using speed variations to outmaneuver defenders.
- Demonstrates superior route-running ability, showing promise for further refinement.
- Excels at making catches in traffic and tracking the ball over his shoulder with above-average ability.
- Displays impressive quickness and lateral mobility, enhancing his route-running and YAC potential.
- Wins downfield with confident ball-tracking, utilizing his vertical leap and poise.
- Shows adeptness at adjusting to off-frame throws with quick hands and excellent body control.
- Capable of effective hand-fighting, leveraging his physicality to maintain space along the boundary.
- Offers utility after the catch, combining explosive ability and balance with a natural running style.
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Sometimes displays below-average acceleration, taking time to reach top speed.
- May struggle with press coverage, showing a need for improvement in hand-fighting and working through contact.
- Occasional focus lapses lead to disappointing drops, highlighting inconsistency.
- Lacks immediate burst, potentially limiting effectiveness in creating late-snap separation.
- Could benefit from increased physicality as a blocker to better support the run game.
Scouting Report: Summary
With his solid frame and dependable hands, Baker has shown he can be a reliable target across the middle and a threat in the red zone. His ability to track the ball deep and make contested catches gives him an edge, potentially making him a valuable asset for teams looking for a versatile receiver who can operate both inside and outside. However, his route running, while promising, needs refinement to deceive NFL-caliber defensive backs consistently. His production spike in his final college season, combined with an impressive showing at the Senior Bowl, underscores his upward trajectory and readiness for the pro level.On the flip side, Baker's game does have areas ripe for improvement. His initial burst off the line and ability to separate quickly from press coverage are concerns, as is his tendency to drop passes under pressure. Furthermore, while he has shown the capability to block, a more consistent effort in the run game would enhance his value to an NFL roster.
Overall, Baker presents as a developmental prospect with a significant upside for teams willing to invest time in honing his skills. His physical tools and on-field production suggest he could grow into a solid WR3/4 with the potential to ascend the depth chart.
Javon Baker percentiles vs other Wide Receivers (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance)
How other scouting services rate Javon Baker (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
81.9
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
23.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.