Falcons host Atlanta native who “grew up rough” on pre-draft visit

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 30 Baylor at UCF

The Falcons are preparing for the NFL Draft, which includes top 30 visits, and the most recent prospect to see Flowery Branch is extremely intriguing.

According to Aaron Wilson, UCF standout Javon Baker has a visit planned with Atlanta.

Baker initially played at Alabama before transferring to UCF, where he played 27 games for the Golden Knights, including a season where he put up 1,139 yards and seven scores on 52 receptions en route to All-Big 12 honors.

What makes him especially interesting is the West Atlanta native’s drive. “He said he “grew up rough,” but sports were his outlet, and he played “everything” — from skateboarding to basketball,” Dane Brugler wrote in The Beast.

The difference between good and great players in the NFL is their dedication to success. How bad they want it. What are you willing to give up to get where you want to be? The Falcons may see that Baker, who has certainly faced adversity along his journey.

He didn’t see any significant snaps at Bama before entering the transfer portal and committing to Kentucky. However, the program rescinded their offer, and he was forced to go to UCF, where he led Gus Malzahn’s offense in receiving in 2023.

The Falcons need another pass catcher to develop alongside Drake London and Darnell Mooney. Javon Baker could be the perfect fit as a developmental option, as Brugler describes.

“Baker is a loose-striding athlete with ball tracking skills, although his tape is full of inefficiencies and question marks that didn’t allow him to consistently showcase his talent. He projects as a developmental Z receiver with starting upside.”

Photographer: Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire
Scroll to Top
%d bloggers like this: