Vikings Visit a Draft Sleeper at the WR Position
Josh Frey
|
Obviously, much of the attention heading into the 2024 NFL Draft, particularly from a Vikings perspective, has revolved around the quarterback position.
However, Minnesota certainly has other needs to fill heading into this upcoming season. One such position is the wide receiver spot, and the Vikings have a visit scheduled with another draft sleeper at the position this week. That player is UCF product Javon Baker.
Vikings Visit Another Draft Sleeper WR
Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 reported the visit, tweeting, “UCF @UCF_Football wide receiver Javon Baker has visits with #Patriots #Vikings #Falcons #Ravens #Chiefs and #49ers per a league source.”
Baker began his collegiate career with the Alabama Crimson Tide, but over his two seasons there, he rarely saw time on the field because of the program’s talent at the position. In 2020 and 2021, Baker combined to play 19 games, but he caught just nine passes for 116 yards and a single touchdown.
As a result, Baker decided to enter the transfer portal following the 2021 season, and he ultimately landed with the UCF Knights. Almost immediately, his production rose as a result. In his first game with UCF, he put together five receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown.
Baker finished his 2022 season with 56 catches for 796 yards and five touchdowns with the Knights, and he followed it up with another very productive season of 52 receptions for 1139 yards (21.9 yards per reception ranked second in the FBS), and seven touchdowns.
This is what Lance Zierlein of NFL.com had to say of Baker’s skillset:
“Former Alabama signee with good size and skill level who finally saw his production spike once he transferred to UCF. Baker looks the part, and his tape will keep growing on you the longer it runs. His play was very natural and instinctive in 2023; he made quality plays on the ball in game after game. He uses speed changes and route leverage to create separation, and he’s at his best working the second and third levels from either inside or outside. The ball skills are NFL-caliber, but the hands will lose focus at times. Baker has the traits and skill level of an NFL receiver and should fight for an eventual shot as a WR3/4.”
Of course, the Vikings do employ a top WR tandem in the NFL with Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson, but they won’t be able to rely on K.J. Osborn to be the consistent WR3 that he’s been for the past three seasons since he’s now a Patriot.
Given his proven ability to handle an increased workload at UCF alongside some tremendous route running skills, Baker could be on Minnesota’s radar early in Day 3.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Sports Reference CFB.
3 Reasons Why the Vikings Should Trade Up for a QB
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.