American Football

Javon Baker Is a Polished Wideout the Commanders Could Target

Sports FEED

March 5, 2024

NCAA Football: Central Florida at Oklahoma — Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Hogs Haven takes a look at 2024 NFL Draft prospects that could contribute to the Commanders

Javon Baker, WR

School: University of Central Florida | Conference: Big 12

College Experience: Senior | Draft Age: 22

Height / Weight: 6’1” 205 lbs

Projected Draft Status: 3rd-4th round

Player Comparison: Slower Gabe Davis with better route running

College Statistics

Receiving & Rushing Table
						Receiving				Rushing				Scrimmage
Year	School	Conf	Class	Pos	G	Rec	Yds	Avg	TD	Att	Yds	Avg	TD	Plays	Yds	Avg	TD
*2020	Alabama	SEC	FR	WR	8	2	15	7.5	0	0	0		0	2	15	7.5	0
*2021	Alabama	SEC	SO	WR	11	7	101	14.4	1	0	0		0	7	101	14.4	1
*2022	UCF	American	JR		14	56	796	14.2	5	0	0		0	56	796	14.2	5
*2023	UCF	Big 12	SR	WR	13	52	1139	21.9	7	0	0		0	52	1139	21.9	7
Career	Overall					117	2051	17.5	13	0	0		0	117	2051	17.5	13
	Alabama					9	116	12.9	1	0	0		0	9	116	12.9	1
	UCF					108	1935	17.9	12	0	0		0	108	1935	17.9	12

Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 3/3/2024.

Player Overview

A former five-star high school recruit with the Alabama Crimson Tide, Javon Baker’s collegiate career took off when he transferred to the UCF Golden Knights. From there, Baker became an integral part of the Golden Knight’s passing attack totaling over 100 receptions, 1,900+ receiving yards, and 12 TDs over two seasons. He is consistent performer that also shows up in big games such as #6 Oklahoma (2023) (5 rec, 134 yards, 2 TDs), #15 Oklahoma State (4 recs, 117 yards, TD), and the bowl game against Georgia Tech (2023) (9 rec, 174 yards, TD).

Javon Baker is a big play receiver with decent size and he is good at using route running moves to get open. He has great body control, tracking ability, and is great at making catches in contested situations.

Strengths

Deep ball threat. Nearly 22 yards per reception in 2023.
Large catch radius.
Good route tree with a mix of route running moves to create separation.
Great ball tracking
Good contested catcher
Aggressive runner

Weaknesses

Has issues with press coverage down field.
Lacks long speed separation.

Let’s See His Work

Vs. Oklahoma (2023)

Senior Bowl

Draft Breakdown

Interviews

How Will He Fit On The Team

Last season, Washington receivers had a hard time getting open and creating big plays. Additionally, the wide receiver room lacks some size. With Curtis Samuel becoming a free agent, Javon Baker could fill in as a prospective WR3. What Baker lacks in top-end speed, he makes up for by getting open with an array of route running moves and contested catch ability. Baker provides Washington with a big play target with decent size for an offense in need of it.