Baker is the perfect prototype of the modern NFL linebacker
When talking about potential players who could be poised for a breakout season, youth, athletic talent, and play from the previous year are the obvious factors considered when gauging if that player will propel himself to the next level. Miami Dolphins Linebacker Jerome Baker fits all these categories to a tee. And given what we’ve seen through Day 2 of Training Camp, Brian Flores thinks so too.
What was most impressive about Baker’s rookie season was that he earned his way into a starting Linebacker position and not only keep that position for the entire season but improved. PFF rated Baker the 3rd best rookie linebacker in 2018.
Baker’s addition was grand larceny for a 3rd Round Draft Pick.
Not only did Baker have 79 total tackles last year, but he also had a knack for making impact plays with 3 sacks and an interception returned for a touchdown. Consider the Bears used the 8th Overall pick in 2018 on Roquan Smith to get comparable production. Smith had 107 tackles, four sacks, and an interception with far more reps.
Now that Baker has a year under his belt, 12 pounds heavier, and in Flore’s defense, he’s in position to catapult off his Rookie season.
So far in camp, Baker has replaced Raekwon McMillan as the starter in the middle and is making the defensive calls. This is a very good sign that the staff has a brain. Unless there’s an injury, I don’t see this changing.
Baker’s ability to get to generate pressure on the QB will be a key asset…
… especially given Miami’s lack of pass rush talent.
Flores has stated that his defensive scheme will give other players on the defense a chance to get after the QB. Baker will shine not only in straight-up blitzing but in stunts far more than the other Phins linebackers.
Put it this way, the 3 sacks Baker had last year was good for 3rd best on the 2018 team! On paper, he’s our most promising pass rusher on the entire team. Flores will certainly scheme him to be even more effective.
Baker was an overachiever last year, and those are the type of players that Flores and the ‘Patriots Way’ like to build off. Baker has been working hard this offseason and you can bet that Flores has some ideas of how to get even more out of him this season.
Dolphins finally have an impact linebacker
The Phins have been weak at linebacker for a long time. Baker finally gives the Phins at least a solid and productive starter. And it’s a good bet with the best bookie software that this will continue for a long time to come. There’s no reason that Baker cannot improve off of last season’s stats. A good target would be 100 plus tackles, 5 sacks, and some turnovers.
Numbers like this would allow Miami to move away from Kiko Alonso in 2020 with far less concern for the position.
For a team that has had their fair share of issues with having success with higher round draft picks, Baker offers hope that this franchise is heading in the right direction.
What are the rest of the Miami Dolphins news fans thoughts about what type of season Baker will have for us this year?