The Leading Authority of the NFL Draft

Desmond Conner of the Hartford Courant writes that Chris Baker is going hard in his workout at the Next Level Athletic and Conditioning Center. Denver Broncos coaches undoubtedly like what they see from their undrafted free agent. Conditioning is important since part of the NFL scouting analysis on him read: "Stamina is an issue, will be best as part of a rotation." The Broncos list Baker, 21, at 329. He said he's down to about 322. He is to report to training camp at the end of the month at 320. The Broncos are thin at defensive tackle, helping Baker's chances. And he's intriguing because he has great skills. He posted a 5.12-second 40-yard dash and 35 1/2 inches in the vertical jump at the NFL combine. In comparison, Boston College's B.J. Raji, the first defensive tackle drafted, ninth overall by the Packers, ran a 5.23 40 and topped out at 32 inches on the vertical.
 

Mancini’s Take: A big reason why Baker was never drafted was due to a couple of run-ins with the law while at Penn State, which led to his dismissal from the team. It’s nothing to be proud of, but let’s not go overboard in being critical of the young man for a little rough-housing with the boys. Baker bounced back in a big way last season as a member of Hampton’s program. The rookie free agent looks like he can be a player. He has the long arms, big hands, and natural bulk to hold his ground against the run. He’s one of the few rookies with the potential to be a legitimate nose tackle. Stamina has always been an issue with the wide-bodied lineman, but he seems to be willing to put in the work to improve in that area. What’s also promising about Baker is his quickness off the snap, which will help him make plays in the opposition’s backfield.

Mandel's Take: Baker is a nice fit in Denver, where they need all the help they can get up front. I would hardly call a couple of assault charges and criminal trespass "rough-housing with the boys" Rev, but I do agree that everyone deserves a second chance. After being booted off Penn State's team, he enrolled at Hampton where he put up some pretty good stats. However, the fact that the stats were accumulated at a "lesser" program combined with the attitude issues to leave Baker undrafted. But the Broncos are getting a quick and strong lineman here, someone who can contribute if he wakes up and realizes he won't get a third chance. Like Monk, Baker is in the right place at the right time to reclaim his football career.
 

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