During the pre-draft process, you'll come across numerous reports of formal and informal meetings between the Patriots and prospects for the upcoming 2024 draft. However, these meetings often hold limited significance. The team conducts thorough evaluations of well over a hundred prospects through various events such as the East-West Shrine Bowl, Senior Bowl, NFL Scouting Combine, and Pro Days. The real value lies in the "top 30" visits, where teams can meet with thirty prospects and host them at team facilities for private meetings. These visits are reserved for players the team has a particular interest in and provide the best insight into which players the team may be targeting.
The Patriots' first top 30 visit has been unveiled today, as they have a scheduled meeting with UCF wide receiver Javon Baker, according to Sports Skeeda's Tony Pauline. Additionally, Baker has arranged top 30 visits with the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans.
Baker has secured a spot on my top-20 wide receiver list, landing at number 11. Over the past few months, he has been garnering attention within the draft community, although he has remained relatively unnoticed by most fans. Baker possesses the characteristics of a prototypical X receiver and, although not the most athletic among this year's crop, he meets all athletic thresholds to be deemed a sufficient athlete. On my receiving rankings list, I've categorized him as a "top-64 worthy pick. I feel confident that his draft value falls between picks 33 and 64.
To read a more in-depth evalution on him, and see my other top-20 receiver prospects, you can click here.
Featured photo courtesy of Javon Baker's Instagram.
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