Who Should I Start? Javon Baker or Jimmy Horn Jr.

Tuesday, August 12, 1:08 AM

New England Patriots wide receiver Javon Baker has been working with the special teams unit during practice and in the preseason opener against Washington. Additionally, the second-year wideout continuously makes highlight catches when given the opportunity on offense. It's a positive to see Baker taking on and succeeding in any possible role under the new coaching staff, as it could earn him an opportunity down the line in a thin receiver room. The 23-year-old saw little action as a rookie but brings good size at 6'2", 195 pounds, along with solid athleticism and a strong final season at UCF. He totaled over 1,100 receiving yards and averaged 21.9 yards per reception, the second most in the country. There is still upside in the tank with Baker, and he could be a name to keep in mind if he gets an opportunity.

Monday, August 25, 11:59 AM

The Athletic's Joseph Person projects rookie wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. to be one of seven wide receivers who make the team's initial 53-man roster. A sixth-round pick out of Colorado, Horn Jr. recorded 37 catches for 441 yards and one touchdown in 11 games for the Buffaloes in 2024. The 22-year-old was targeted seven times in the preseason, hauling in six catches for 29 yards. Horn Jr. appears to be somewhat buried on the Panthers' wide receiver depth chart to begin the season, and he's unlikely to be fantasy-relevant in 2025. However, Horn Jr. could be a name to monitor in dynasty formats, as veterans like Adam Thielen and Hunter Renfrow currently block his path to playing time and don't project to be part of Carolina's long-term plans.