Ohio State Football: Another Buckeye leaving for the NFL

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 29: (L-R) Damon Webb
ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 29: (L-R) Damon Webb /
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Ohio State linebacker declaring for the NFL draft.

It was expected Jerome Baker would opt to move on and enter the NFL draft this spring. Today the Ohio State linebacker let everyone know via Twitter that will be the case.

It’s probably a wise decision for Baker as speedy, athletic linebackers are in demand in the NFL. Think back to the 2016 draft when Darron Lee was the 20th pick in the first round of the draft by the New York Jets

Baker’s numbers dipped some last season from 2016, 72 tackles versus 83, 8.5 tackles for loss down from 9 and no interceptions. But scouts will take into consideration his pick six on one of his two interceptions in 2016 and his overall big play ability.

Like Lee, Baker came to Ohio State a little undersized, around 200 pounds, and had to put on weight to become a full-time player, although he did see playing time as a true freshman. Another similarity between the two was that each had a struggle to earn a starting position their second season.

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Lee battled Chris Worley for the spot right up until the beginning of the 2014 season. Baker only got the starting nod when Dante Booker went down with an injury at the beginning of the 2016 season. But when each player got his chance, he took full advantage of the situation.

It’s probably a good decision by Baker to enter the NFL now. With many NFL teams taking a player’s potential into consideration more than his body of work, he probably wouldn’t improve his draft stock by coming back to play for Ohio State one more year.

After all, Baker has the speed to run with most ball carriers and many wide receivers as well. He needs work on his pass defense but that can be said about most linebackers when they enter the NFL.

Next: New assistant coach coming home

Jerome Baker has been an outstanding player for the Buckeyes so I wish him only the best. I can’t wait to see him play on Sundays.