There’s a strong probability that if you’ve read any mock drafts this offseason, the Buffalo Bills selected a receiver with the 28th overall choice. That is undoubtedly the most likely scenario and is in play. However, Stefon Diggs’ backup or successor could be found on the second day of the draft if Buffalo decides to select a defensive player in the first round. If so, even if UCF receiver Javon Baker doesn’t follow the same mold as many of Buffalo’s most frequent targets, he might be a good match for the Bills scheme.
After recording 1,139 yards and seven touchdowns in his finest collegiate season, Baker, a senior, is returning to the field. His status seems to be at the end of Day 2, but there is still time for it to rise as the NFL Scouting Combine approaches and pro days continue. Even though the two are UCF Knights, Baker doesn’t fit the mold of a plug-and-play Gabe Davis replacement like Brian Thomas Jr. of LSU, Troy Franklin of Oregon, or Xavier Legette of South Carolina do. He doesn’t constantly spread the field and isn’t a burner. It doesn’t mean he can’t have an effect, either. Baker is versatile on the inside as well as the outside. Because of his excellent hands and technique, which rank him among the more reliable receivers in this class, he performs best while making contested catches. Given his out-of-structure instincts, it’s easy to envision him being a dependable target and earning Josh Allen’s trust. He may unlock Diggs and Shakir by moving across the formation and finding views over the center of the field. As the X-receiver, Baker plays sufficiently along the boundary to earn snaps, but if Diggs is asked to play on the opposite side of the formation, Baker may give up some snaps. Diggs, Davis, and a variety of slot receivers used to have clear-cut roles. They could become less predictable with Bake.
Obviously, with Davis gone, his deep-threat capabilities have also moved on to other promising endeavors. Here Baker’s not as good. He is a powerful receiver, though, and he can win above the rim to stay in the game downfield. Buffalo certainly needs a reliable auxiliary target, even if it may not materialize in the way supporters anticipate. The decline in potential gains from a Baker acquisition might outweigh the cost of finding one without employing premium draft capital.
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