FOXBORO — Javon Baker’s ultra self-confidence made headlines in his first conference call with reporters after being drafted.
He told Patriots fans to get their popcorn ready because he makes “people in wheelchairs stand up.”
Baker was asked how head coach Jerod Mayo responded to those comments.
“Me and Coach Mayo, we talk all the time. We’re close together. He was just telling me I have to prove myself,” Baker said. “And I wanted to do that anyway, coming in as a rookie, I gotta prove myself.”
So, how has Baker done so far proving himself?
“Not how I wanna do, but I gotta play a role on this team,” Baker said. “As a rookie, you gotta play a role. Whatever role they want me to play, I’ll play.”
“Just being a receiver,” Baker added when asked how he would want to prove himself. “The ball comes my way, catch the ball. Don’t drop the ball. That’s my mindset. Know the play call, catch the ball, finish.”
Baker has made impressive catches on deep balls from rookie quarterback Joe Milton III and veteran Jacoby Brissett in consecutive practices.
Extra points
Wide receiver Tyquan Thornton, a 2022 second-round pick, said his listed weight of 185 pounds is out of date. He’s bulked up to 192 pounds as he wants to avoid injuries when hitting the ground … Fellow receiver DeMario Douglas, meanwhile, is happy at 182 pounds and doesn’t want to lose any quickness by bulking up … Javon Baker said he uses his background as a baseball player to help track deep balls. He said his skills as a soccer player translate best to football, however.