Who Should I Start? Malik Taylor or Javon Baker

Monday, May 12, 9:38 PM

The Detroit Lions announced on Monday that they signed free-agent tight end Luke Deal, wide receiver Malik Taylor and defensive lineman Raequan Williams while waiving tight end Caden Prieskorn in a corresponding move. Deal, Taylor and Williams impressed Detroit's coaching staff enough after trying out in the team's rookie minicamp over the weekend. Deal will provide depth for the Lions behind Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright if he makes the team after recording 17 catches for 116 yards and two touchdowns in 65 games (19 starts) over six seasons at Auburn. Taylor was on Injured Reserve all of last year with the New York Jets due to an undisclosed injury, but evidently he's healthy now. The 29-year-old entered the NFL in 2020 with the Green Bay Packers and has just nine catches on 13 targets for 93 yards and one touchdown in 28 games (one start) over three seasons.

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.