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Houston Texans to have a top-30 visit with UCF wide receiver Javon Baker before 2024 NFL Draft

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Justin Churchill | Last updated 3/24/24

The Houston Texans could be in the market for another wide receiver, but not in free agency, as we saw how that went. The Texans were one of the few big winners during free agency, making some huge moves, as well as some under-the-radar moves that are sure to make them better.

But, this time, they are looking to add a new weapon through the draft. They will have ample opportunities to draft one, as this wide receiver draft is stacked from top to bottom and has been suggested as one of the deepest wide receiver drafts in recent years. The Texans should surely look into drafting one.

After some recent news, they may be thinking about it very well. According to Tony Pauline of Sports Keeda, the Houston Texans are set to host UCF wide receiver Javon Baker on a top-30 visit. The NFL allows 30 pre-draft visits with upcoming NFL draft prospects, and these are referred to as top 30 visits. Baker is a very good wide receiver in this upcoming draft.

UCF WR Javon Baker has a top-30 visit with the #Texans. Per @TonyPauline pic.twitter.com/ZpbdVsKsZd
— Dylan Delgatto (@DDelgattoNFL) March 23, 2024

According to A to Z Sports' Big Board, Baker is the 87th overall prospect and 16th overall wide receiver in the class. That sounds bad, but that's just how deep this class is. He is projected to be a middle-third-round pick. Here are some of his strengths and weaknesses:

STRENGTHS

Good size & length for an X-WR
High-points difficult contested targets & always catches away from his frame
Sinks hips & decelerates efficiently
Plays with an ideal competitive edge
Creative & nuanced route runner with aggressive salesmanship
Uses rocker steps to manipulate CBs' hips
Flashed power & elusiveness after the catch
Diverse release package & multiple answers for press
Unbothered by physicality at the route or catch point
Can track over his shoulder & secure the ball in tight pockets

WEAKNESSES

Lacks 2nd gear to out-stride CBs vertically
Struggles with focus drops
11.4% career drop rate
Needs to trim the fat off of some of his releases
Inconsistent focus & physicality at the catch point, despite flashes of dominance
Takes plays off when he isn't the primary read

When the NFL Draft Combine was around this offseason, head coach DeMeco Ryans explained what he needed in a wide receiver, and when he was describing his ideal fit, he described a guy that can get open at will, make big catches on third down, and provide YAC opportunities. Baker checks those boxes.

Now, a top-30 visit does not guarantee that the Texans will draft him. Baker could go before the Texans get a chance, or they could visit with him and decide they don't want to draft Baker. So many things happen that we don't know. But, having a top-30 visit is a good sign.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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