The New England Patriots have been holding their training camp on the practice fields behind Gillette Stadium for the last week, and rookie wide receiver Javon Baker is really impressing.
Baker, 22, was one of New England's fourth-round picks this year out of UCF, and he started the hype train this offseason with his comments after the draft when he told fans to be ready for his electric play.
In training camp, he's been making eye-popping plays, proving that he should get opportunities when the team takes the field for the first time.
After Monday's session, Patriots wide receiver K.J. Osborn even compared Baker to Pittsburgh Steelers 2022 second-round pick George Pickens.
"I told him that he reminds me of George Pickens," Osborn said. "Bigger like that. Really, really, really talented. Raw. You see him jump and make big plays. He's a rookie, so learning the offense, the details of it. I'm trying to tell him the type of people he's going to face on Sundays, especially in this division, we go against some really good corners. It's been exciting to see him continue to come along, continue to make plays. I think he'll be a good player."
Pickens has been in the league for two seasons, recording 115 receptions for 1,941 yards and nine scores in 34 games. He also led the NFL in yards per reception (18.1) last year.
If Baker puts up similar numbers early in his career with the Patriots, they'd be thrilled.
