Miami Dolphins: What does Jerome Baker add to the defense?

The Miami Dolphins selected linebacker Jerome Baker on Day 2 of the 2018 NFL Draft, but who is he and how will he help this defense?

The Miami Dolphins most obvious need heading into the draft was an outside linebacker. Not an edge rusher but a true outside linebacker that can help in the rushing attack, but more importantly cover the oppositions athletic tight ends and pass-catching running backs. The team addressed this need with the 73rd overall pick in the third round.

Miami added Ohio State linebacker Jerome Baker and he was clearly brought in for the specific reason of pass coverage. With that said, he also has flaws which I will address first. At just 6-1, and just under 230 pounds, Baker is undersized and both looks and plays small on film. While he has the speed to run down ball carriers I don’t view him as much of a contributor as a run defender. He’s just too easily consumed by blockers of even average strength.

With that said, I do view Baker as a potential key sub-package player. The kind of guy that may not be viewed as a star but you would see how sorely missed he is should he be out of the lineup. He’s the answer to today’s modern day passing attack that relies heavily on tight ends and backs coming out of the backfield. If you want to beat teams like the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers, Baker can be a key cog in the defense.

I don’t anticipate him being an every-down player, but it shouldn’t take long for him to get playing time on obvious passing downs with the potential to expand his role. His speed and athleticism is extremely evident and impressive when you watch him play. His natural instincts on the field both in coverage and getting to the edge are apparent. The Dolphins have addressed their need at outside linebacker well this offseason even if it doesn’t seem obvious to the casual fan.

It appears the plan is to start Kiko Alonso and Raekwon McMillian at linebacker with Rae being an every down thumper and Kiko playing the majority or close to all the snaps as well. On the other side it looks like the team will turn to the trio of Stephone Anthony, T.J. McDonald and Baker. These three will battle it out this summer, however, they should all have a role. Anthony is more of the early-down backer with McDonald being more well rounded.

Next: NFL Draft 2018: Grades for each first-round pick

Adding Minkah Fitzpatrick allows the team to re-position McDonald at linebacker add much needed pass coverage in the box. Baker will likely be a specialist in pass coverage as well on passing downs. The team now has talent and depth at a position that severely lacked it the past few seasons.