Why Hasn’t Patriots Rookie Wideout Played More? Reasoning Is Worrisome

Patriots fourth-round rookie receiver Javon Baker was responsible for a handful of highlight-reel catches during New England’s training camp. But Baker has yet to make his mark during the regular season.

The Central Florida product played merely six offensive snaps in four games, all of which came against the Seattle Seahawks in a Week 2 loss. Baker, who also has 11 special teams snaps on the season, did not take the field against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 4.

Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt expressed confidence in Baker’s future but indicated the rookie is falling behind others in the receiver room.

“He’s an extremely talented guy,” Van Pelt told reporters at Gillette Stadium on Thursday, per the Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed. “His ability to play the ball in the air and his ball skills are great. His ability to win and separate is there.

“For Javon, it’s really the details: lining up correctly, running the right routes, earning the trust of the coaching staff and the quarterback, as well. But there’s a bright future there. Just have to tighten down the details.”

Baker is failing to line up correctly and running the wrong routes? The coaches and quarterback don’t trust him?

Obviously it’s far too early to call Baker a draft bust. The four-year college player is just six months into his professional career. But Van Pelt’s explanation is still a bit worrisome, especially since the Patriots don’t exactly have a receiver room oozing with talent.

New England receivers combined for 29 receptions and 226 yards through four games. Some of that production can be put on the offensive line, to be fair. But the group could use some help from the rookie who set high expectations for himself immediately after he was selected in the NFL draft.