The hype grew this summer at a notable rate. Jerome Baker is going to be a big X-factor for the Dolphins defense. Jerome Baker is probably going to get pass rush reps. Did you hear Jerome Baker bulked up to 228 this offseason?
And in a sport where every player always enter training camp each year in the best shape of their lives, it is hard at times to separate the fact from the fiction. But after the first week of training camp, it is apparent that Jerome Baker is walking the walk with his performance in Davie.
Baker has been a constant performer and is showing off impressive range despite the added weight — but more importantly Baker is thriving in all kinds of roles for this defense, exactly what the Dolphins had suggested we might get from Baker by the time the offseason came to a close.
Baker’s performance has drawn rave reviews from effectively every media member in attendance of training camp. The expectations for the second year pro now extend beyond being the defensive play-caller. Some expect him to be named a captain. Others think — on this Dolphins roster — he could lead the team in sacks.
But one thing is for certain — the Dolphins are going to let him roam. They’ve used him in coverage, they’ve used him as a blitzer and they’ve used him as a run defender through the first week in camp. He’s impressed in all phases. No more need for talk — Baker is walking the walk.
