Deep Dive After the Senior Bowl: Javon Baker, WR, UCF

Javon Baker of Central Florida was one of the wide receivers who appeared potential in the Reese’s Senior Bowl. The Cleveland Browns are constantly searching for new weapons. Having had an amazing week in Mobile, I decided to revisit his tape in order to solidify my opinion of him. Baker is a strong candidate in this year’s class because of his ability to generate separation with his size and muscle.

Baker is physically robust. Baker stood at 6’1 3/8″ and weighed 208 pounds. The Browns have amassed a number of receivers that weigh more over 200 pounds, giving them the AFC North’s top offensive unit. Two characteristics stand out when you watch Baker right away: body control and acceleration.

Baker has remarkable stop-start skills. Baker can throw his opponent in a blender if he can persuade the defender to bend his hips at the wrong moment or lose his balance. Larger corners frequently struggle to maintain his herky-jerky technique, but he can outmuscle smaller ones.

He is able to establish separation with his body, but that control goes beyond that. Additionally, it enables him to arrange his body to best frame the football. When Baker high-points the ball, this is excellent. In addition to being able to jump with perfect timing, he also calms his body down to concentrate just on catching the ball. He can now create plays down the field and excel as a jump ball receiver in the red zone thanks to this matter.

Add his acceleration now. He can quickly create speed, so once he throws an opponent off balance, he often blows them away. He frequently leaves opponents in the dust thanks to his exceptional lower body strength. Although the difficulty UCF faced—playing the Big XII and a lackluster non-conference schedule—is reasonable to criticize, what he records is still outstanding.