The Patriots added a much needed big play receiver to their roster in the fourth round of the NFL Draft on Saturday. 

With Pick 110, the Patriots selected wide receiver Javon Baker out of Central Florida. Baker, who transferred to UCF from Alabama gives Alex Van Pelt and the offensive staff a legitimate playmaker that they can specifically design plays for. 

Like Ja’Lynn Polk who was drafted on Friday night, Baker offers alignment versatility. He can play the X, Z or F. When meeting with the media on Friday night, Patriots Scouting Director Eliot Wolf said that doesn’t matter to the team. They care more about what the receiver can do as a player. The statement was contrary to what Wolf said last week when he talked about the need for an X receiver. Wolf might be downplaying the importance of lining up in different spots but the reality is, it matters.

Baker gives the Patriots an X receiver who can win one on one in contested catch situations and make big plays in plus territory.

For his part, Baker does not care where the team uses him. He believes he can do it all. 

“Yes, I could be anything. Honestly, whatever Coach [Jerod] Mayo wants me to be, I can be. I could be X, Y, it really doesn’t matter to me.”

The Patriots will use him everywhere. Expect him to line up in all four receiver alignments and even in the backfield. Van Pelt will get Baker the ball on perimeter screens, jet sweeps and in the passing game. Baker is a diverse weapon that will be used in a myriad of ways. 

Jerod Mayo talked about the receivers after the draft and he talked about Baker and he brings to the Patriots. 

“When you talk about Javon (Baker), look, you talk about run after catch, the run after catch, this guy is aggressive, and I would say Bake is all about — he’s all ball. He’s all ball, which I can appreciate. You can see the passion come through when you watch them on film. Two guys that obviously have different skill sets but at the same time will help our team going forward.”

Baker is certainly not lacking confidence when it comes to what he can do. He opened his media availability by telling Patriots fans to bring their popcorn. 

“Just come to the home stadium and bring your popcorn, as I like to tell y’all. Bring your popcorn. I make people in wheelchairs stand up. Bring your popcorn.”

The Patriots haven’t had that kind of swagger at the receiver position since Randy Moss was here. It has been awhile and it is going to be fun.