Houston Texans Schedule Visit With Draft Target Javon Baker

The Houston Texans may dip their toes in the water of an absurdly deep receiver class. Could UCF target Javon Baker make his way to H-Town?

Dec 22, 2023; Tampa, FL, USA; UCF Knights wide receiver Javon Baker (1) catches a pass for a / Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Texans have every reason to believe their offense will be productive in 2024. The arrival of quarterback C.J. Stroud paired with the emergence of receivers Nico Collins and Tank Dell has put the Houston passing attack in high esteem.

The Texans also traded for running back Joe Mixon in an attempt to create a more balanced approach, potentially creating more big plays than Devin Singletary was able to produce down the stretch.

However, these additions haven’t diminished the hunger for another weapon in Houston’s arsenal. A third high-level receiver could unlock additional upside and make opposing defenses spread that much thinner. 

Dec 22, 2023; Tampa, FL, USA; UCF Knights wide receiver Javon Baker (1) catches a pass for a / Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Could they find their answer on Day 2 of the NFL Draft?

Of course, Houston recently traded the 23rd pick in the first round, helping the Minnesota Vikings (presumably) make a move for a quarterback. The Texans now own the 42nd pick, along with an extra 2025 selection.

Houston will likely add to its offensive line or defense with its early draft capital, but if it pivots to receiver, UCF receiver Javon Baker could be a fit.

According to Tony Pauline, Baker has an official-30 visit with the Texans, along with the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs.

“Teams feel he can play right away and like his catching radius (32 ¼ inch arms),” Pauline wrote.

Baker profiles as the type of receiver who can replace Robert Woods. He has inside/outside versatility and can be best described as a possession receiver. He’s a mediocre athlete, running a 4.54-second 40-yard dash without elite measurables. Even so, he’s trustworthy at the catch point and flashes late hands well. 

Despite not being particularly dynamic, Baker does a decent job separating and is nuanced with his body control, contorting himself, correcting errant throws, and mitigating contact. His ceiling lags behind the first-round candidates for Houston’s pick, but his presence can still elevate the offense.

Baker’s stock isn’t set in stone, but the Texans figure to be in the conversation with two picks in the second round (42 and 59) and another third-round selection (86). 

Houston may not prioritize a receiver come April, but the AFC is an arms race – one the Texans are primed to compete in. Adding a versatile, physical threat for Stroud to find could pay dividends in January.