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Patriots WR Javon Baker is using adversity of his rookie season as a learning moment
When the New England Patriots selected Javon Baker in the fourth round of this year's draft, there was a feeling that the former UCF wide receiver could have an immediate impact on a team lacking offensive weaponry. It hasn’t been as easy for the first-year player.
Throughout the first seven weeks of the season, Baker has played only six offensive snaps, all of them against the Seattle Seahawks in week 2. He also has 11 special teams snaps between weeks 2 and 3. And that's it. He didn't play against the San Francisco 49ers in week 4, and was kept inactive in the last three games.
For him, though, it's a learning moment that he can take advantage of to have future success in the NFL.
"Just a matter of time. Just a learning moment, it teaches me patience," Baker told A to Z Sports on Thursday. "It's waiting. I've been waiting all my life for stuff like this anyway. I've been in this position either way. When I was in college, I was in a position. So it's not a chip on my shoulder thing. It's just being patient."
Patriots veteran receiver Kendrick Bourne knows how difficult life is for a young player trying to establish himself in the league. A former undrafted player for the 49ers, Bourne now serves as a mentor for the younger guys in New England.
"He's been doing good on the scout team. That's what he can control," Bourne stressed. "He has to go practice well, he has to do things well. So he gets the coaches to trust and stuff like that. He's been doing a good job of just doing what he can control and that's what I encourage him, just keep focusing on what's in front of you and that's where he's at."
That's what Javon Baker has done. Sometimes, it's not automatic for a day 3 pick to be on the field. And Baker is willing to embrace the process.
"It's patience, waiting for my turn. It's not my turn right now," Baker added. "So I can't tell you I need to do this and that. It's just not my turn right now, so I gotta keep waiting and be patient."
So far this season, six Patriots wide receivers have had receptions — DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Ja'Lynn Polk, KJ Osborn, Kendrick Bourne, and Tyquan Thornton. For Javon Baker, the first reception is yet to come.
The rookie is getting ready, because he knows his first shot will eventually come.
