Patriots Defender Compliments Young Wideout As ‘Smooth Killer’

New England Patriots rookie wide receiver Javon Baker certainly has impressed during his first training camp.

Baker's standout showings have come at the expense of his defensive teammates, not that they particularly mind.

Patriots second-year cornerback Isaiah Bolden saw Baker's skill set up close with the two battling on the practice field and he had a unique way of praising the UCF product.

"He's a smooth killer right there. I ain't going to lie. He's smooth," Bolden told reporters following practice Tuesday. "I like his game. He's very shifty. He's going to be great, man. I love going against him. He has a little swagger to me, so guys like that you love to go against him. They bring the best out of you.''

Baker, who was selected in the fourth round of this year's draft, could end up playing a key part in the team's wide receiver corps. Baker surely isn't lacking in confidence to fill that role and even had one of his teammates compare him to Pittsburgh Steelers wideout George Pickens.

Baker isn't the only one expected to make a contribution right away to the Patriots new-look receivers group. New England also used a second-round pick on Ja'Lynn Polk while a second-year leap could be in store for DeMario "Pop" Douglas. K.J. Osborn, who signed with the Patriots, should be a factor as well while the possible addition of No. 1 receiver Brandon Aiyuk hangs over the unit.

"The receivers this year are so good, man," Bolden said. "Baker, Polk, Pop, all those guys, man, they're good this year. It's been a very competitive camp. They're making us better, each and every day. I feel like a lot of those guys get slept on and we like it like that, honestly. Those guys are elite."