UCF receiver Javon Baker selected in 4th round of NFL draft
UCF receiver Javon Baker was selected by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Baker became the ninth Knights wide receiver drafted since 2000 and the fifth since 2015, when he was selected with the 110th pick. He joins an exclusive group of players, including Jacob Harris, Tre Nixon, Gabriel Davis, Tre’Quan Smith, Breshad Perriman, Mike Sims-Walker, Brandon Marshall and Doug Gabriel.
“This is the perfect opportunity, and I can’t wait to put on that uniform,” Baker said in a video on the Patriots’ website.
The 6-foot-2, 195-pound Baker spent the past two seasons as UCF’s starting wideout, totaling 1,935 receiving yards on 108 catches with 12 touchdowns in 27 games. He also spent two seasons at Alabama, with 116 yards on 9 catches and a touchdown.
Congrats @Javondbaker1!! So happy for you and your family! @Patriots got a Big-time WR! Sky’s the limit!! https://t.co/MCpK2eF7PQ
— Coach Gus Malzahn (@CoachGusMalzahn) April 27, 2024
“There is always going to be a chip on my shoulder no matter what,” Baker said when asked if he was disappointed he was selected on the third day of the draft. “I’m self-driven, so I know how it feels to be behind somebody, and I know how it feels to be at the bottom of the depth chart.”
Baker becomes the third UCF player selected by the Pats since 1987. He joins fellow receiver Tre Nixon (2021), defensive back Asante Samuel (2003) and running back Elgin Davis (1987).
No UCF players were selected in last year’s draft, which ended the program’s six-year streak of having at least one Knight drafted. However, Kalia Davis was the last player UCF drafted when the San Francisco 49ers selected the defensive end with the 220th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Matt Murschel can be reached at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com