New England Patriots coach Jerod Mayo was asked why rookie wide receiver Javon Baker was inactive in Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
It was a simple explanation from Mayo, who indicated the first-year wideout needed to develop both on and off the field.
“He just has to continue to progress and continue to develop, both on the field and off the field. And that’s my responsibility ultimately,” said Mayo.
Baker was involved in a social media incident at the beginning of the month. He went live on social media after receiving a traffic ticket and called out police officers in an angry rant. Baker indicated he did not regret his comments during the incident.
The UCF product was drafted by the Patriots in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft.
On Javon Baker, a healthy scratch on Sunday, Mayo says he needs to develop on the field and off the field. Puts it on himself to help the rookie pic.twitter.com/hKqkShfOm8
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) September 11, 2024
One has to wonder when Baker will eventually see the field and how long his development process will take. The wideout has a ton of potential, and he could be a valuable piece for a Patriots offense that needs all of the firepower it can get right now.
