FOXBORO — The Patriots found a potential play-maker in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft when they selected wide receiver Javon Baker.

Now it’s just about harnessing that talent.

Baker has clearly impressed Patriots coaches since the start of training camp, when he was mostly working with the third- and fourth-team offense, to now, when he’s receiving regular reps with quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye. When the Patriots divided their roster into first- and second-teamers and the scout team late last week, Baker was in good company with Brissett, Maye and wide receivers K.J. Osborn, Ja’Lynn Polk, DeMario Douglas and Jalen Reagor.

“It’s very encouraging knowing that my teammates and my family and the coaches trust me when I get out there with the ball in my hand,” Baker told the Herald on Monday.

Baker does need to fight through some inconsistencies to earn regular reps during the season, however. In Monday’s practice, Baker won 2-of-3 1-on-1 reps against cornerbacks Marco Wilson and Azizi Hearn but he dropped a pass in individual drills and was held catchless on two targets in team drills. He only got one foot in bounds on one target in 11-on-11s. He had the same issue in 7-on-7s late last week. In college, wide receivers must get just one foot in bounds. Early in camp, Baker enthralled Patriots fans with a spectacular over-the-shoulder catch as he fell to the ground. Untouched, Baker tossed the ball in the air in celebration. Head coach Jerod Mayo pointed out that he would have been down in college, but not in the pros. So, that was a fumble.

Baker is one of the most physically gifted wide receivers on the roster, however. He runs precise routes that allow him to gain separation from defenders, and he’s adept at throwing his hands up late to catch the ball without defenders knowing it’s coming.

“Honestly, that’s me as a receiver. To be honest, I never really worked on it,” Baker said of his late hands. “I just know my mentality is that I need to get my hands on the ball. Once that happens, nine times out of 10, it’s a catch or a touchdown.”

Baker credits his trainers, including TJ Brown at Top Shelf Performance, for his route-running skills. He also studies film on some of the league’s best receivers, including Davante Adams, Devonta Smith and Amari Cooper.

“Really separation. That’s what I’ve been working on in the summer,” Baker said. “Just separating from the DB and once I get that ball, get some YAC after. So, that’s what I’m working on.”

Baker is confident in his releases at the line of scrimmage, but he continues to refine his separation at the top of his routes.

The former UCF and Alabama wide receiver has a simple goal as he gets ready for the 2024 season.

“Every day I try to make myself 1% better, so whatever it takes, 1-on-1s, blocking, catching, whatever,” Baker said. “If I’m being better, then I’m good.”