Ohio State Football: Jerome Baker lacks NFL size for linebacker

Jerome Baker was an excellent outside linebacker for Ohio State, but does he have the size to play that position in the NFL?

Jerome Baker’s entry into the hearts of Buckeye Nation came nearly two years ago with a spectacular one-handed, leaping interception off an errant throw by Joey Burrow in the 2016 Ohio State spring game.

This play foreshadowed the type of career Baker would have over the next two seasons.

Thrust into the starting lineup after an injury to Dante Booker in the first game of the 2016 season against Bowling Green, Booker seized the reigns and never relinquished his position.

That’s how it is in college football, next man up.  Baker took full advantage.

He went on to finish 2016 with 83 tackles and two interceptions, one against Oklahoma and one against Michigan.  Both revealed his superior athleticism and play-making abilities. He also made All-Big Ten Honorable Mention.

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Oddly, 2017 did not go quite as well.  There are probably many reasons for that, but I think adjusting to life with Raekwon McMillan and Luke Fickell had the most impact.

Baker leaving Ohio State early for the NFL is not a surprise.  He’s not going to raise his stock by playing next year.  Risking an injury when he’s projected as a second or third round selection seems foolish.

Baker’s strengths are his speed, ability to change direction quickly and athleticism.  That will play well working in space against speedy NFL receivers.

The rub on Baker though is NFL scouts don’t like his size and question his toughness and physicality at the point of attack.  That’s a problem if he’s expected to be an effective run stopper.

Baker needs to find the right system to have a NFL career.  He also needs to bulk up because playing at 225-pounds won’t cut it.

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I see him getting picked up by an NFC South or NFC West team. Both divisions are pass happy and he could thrive in a solid 4-3 system.