Patriots rookie WR showing strides in practice after being benched

Jerod Mayo claims rookie WR Javon Baker has made strides behind the scenes

New England Patriots coach Jerod Mayo had high praise for rookie Javon Baker, as the Patriots continue to look for depth at the wide receiver position.

Baker has not seen the field much this season. He received six snaps in the Patriots’ overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks, but he has not been on the field beyond that at receiver. Last week, he was in for five snaps on special teams against the New York Jets.

He has clearly impressed the coaching staff over the last couple of weeks, and he could have a shot to play on Sunday against a Titans defense that has been stingy against the pass this season. They allow the fewest passing yards in the NFL with 151.6 yards per game.

Mayo believes Baker’s shot could come on Sunday.

“He’s put together great weeks of practice, and now, hopefully, he gets an opportunity to go out there and play some receiver,” said Mayo. “He’s an explosive player, and we need to see that on Sunday.”

Baker has big-play ability and speed that allows him to make things happen after the catch. The Patriots have undergone a youth movement at the wide receiver position, and the rookie has the chance to be a building block for not only this season but the future as a whole.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]