Javon Baker (WR) – UCF / Senior
6’1-1/4″, 202 Lbs. (Combine)
2022 stats: 14 games, 56 rec, 796 yds, 14.2 AVG, 5 TD
2023 stats: 13 games, 52 rec, 1139 yds, 21.9 avg, 7 TD
{Reference: https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/javon-baker-1.html}
Awards/Leader: 1st team All Big-12 (2023)
Measurables (Combine):
| Hand | Arm | Wing |
| 9-5/8″ | 32-1/4″ | 78-1/4″ |
| 40-Dash | 10-Split | Vertical | Broad | 3-Cone | 20-Shuttle | Bench |
| 4.54 sec | 1.58 sec | 37″ | 10’1″ | *** | *** | *** |
RAS: 7.71
Games Watched: 2023 vs. Oklahoma; 2023 vs. Georgia; 2023 vs. Oklahoma State
PRO’S
Major “my ball” mentality when attacking the ball in the air in contested catch situations, 56.3% win rate. A lot of this is due to his 78-inch wingspan and impressive body control in the air. Always on watch to go long, as he is an excellent ball tracker, Baker hauled in 15 deep catches and 574 deep yards in 2023. Really like his different releases off the LOS, which then leads to his solid and twitchy route running, his start and stop ability is a good way to get defenders off balance. After the catch, Baker turns into a savvy yet violent runner with the ball in his hands (7.2 YAC).
CON’S
Some areas of concern for Baker are his inconsistent ability to beat physical press man corners, a few instances on film where he was able to be pushed out of bounds by DBs, this will be something he will need to work on at the next level. Concentration drops are an area he needs to clean up as he had 15 drops in his 4 years in college. Bursty athlete but long speed seems to not be his strong suit.
OVERALL
The former Alabama recruit really shined after his transfer to UCF, and showed why he was a former 5 star recruit. Down at the Senior Bowl, Baker had a really nice week and showed all of the things seen on his film, especially during the red zone drills and he was able to high point the ball in the back of the end zone. I had the opportunity to interview Baker while there and asked him what kind of mentality he brings to 50/50 balls, and his response was absolutely perfect — “it ain’t 50/50, its 100/0” — and an NFL team is going to love the level of competitor Baker brings. I see him being a solid 2nd round pick in the NFL draft if he tests well at the combine.
Completed by: Michael Anthony (@DynastyDogMike), 2/24/2024
Reviewed & edited: J. Clark, 02/24/24
Updated: 03/02/24
