Two Separate Reporters Say New England Patriots Rookie is Dropping on Depth Chart

The New England Patriots are just a matter of weeks from beginning the 2024 regular season with cutdown day and the end of the preseason fast approaching next week.

Of all the narratives throughout the offseason and training camp, one of the most closely watched positions was the wide receiver group after it bottomed out in 2023 and the team double dipped on receivers in the draft.

By all accounts, second round pick Ja'Lynn Polk has been doing all the right things and even seeming to separate himself as possibly the best in the room at times. Fourth round pick Javon Baker , however, who was one of the players fans were most excited about, reportedly may be dropping down the depth chart according to two separate accounts.

"There were several plays like that with Javon on film where I don’t think he knew what he was doing, and as a result, have seen him plummet down the depth chart in practice since the game," Greg Bedard said during an appearance on the Felger and Mazz Show .

But it wasn't just Bedard, with Chad Graff of The Athletic echoing a similar sentiment.

"His spot on the roster is virtually guaranteed, but his position on the depth chart is dropping," Graff wrote in his latest article . "He’ll likely open the season as the team’s No. 4 or 5 wide receiver, eventually dropping further once Bourne returns. Baker needs a strong preseason finale Sunday."

While it may be disappointing for fans to hear that Baker is a bit rough around the edges, the talent alone is intriguing enough that fans can afford to be patient with the development of the young wide receiver.