When the dust settled on last week’s NFL Draft, two former UCF Knights found themselves among the names called, even being drafted by two teams that are Divisional rivals. Receiver Javon Baker was picked by the Patriots in Round four as the 110th overall selection and Tackle Tylan Grable would be plucked by the Buffalo Bills near the end of Round Six.
You didn’t need a crystal ball to see that Javon Baker would end up playing on Sundays. After transferring from Alabama in 2022, he hit the ground running for the Knights, carrying a huge load for their offense.
Even if you consider the uptick in competition with UCF joining the Big 12 last year, he had a stellar season in 2023. He caught 52 balls for 1,139 yards and managed 7 touchdowns, gaining him First-Team All Big 12 honors. New Englamd drafted Quarterback Drake Maye as well as standout Washington Wide Receiver Ja’Lynn Polk, so the injection of talent could see the Patriots return to success if their coaching staff can put the recipe together.
The Javon Baker route every #Patriots fan needs to see. pic.twitter.com/cVfUM9Mana
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) April 27, 2024
Like Baker, offensive tackle Tylan Grable also transferred in to UCF and actually spent time as a reserve Tight End while at Jacksonville State. Once he fully migrated over to Left Tackle, it was clear where the 6 foot 6, 306 pound athletic youngster belonged.
Grable was estimated to be the most athletic tackle at the 2024 Combine by Next Gen Stats and could potentially spend the next few seasons working his way toward protecting one of the most talented Quarterbacks in the league in Josh Allen.
The Bills have selected OT Tylan Grable out of UCF with the 204th overall pick (Round 6). pic.twitter.com/WzZAEM9bSK
— Buffalo Bills PR (@BuffaloBillsPR) April 27, 2024
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