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2018 NFL Draft: Top 10 LBs New York Giants should target

By Henry Buggy

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 02: Roquan Smith #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts to winning the game MVP trophy after beating the Auburn Tigers in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 02: Roquan Smith #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts to winning the game MVP trophy after beating the Auburn Tigers in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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#7 – Ohio State LB Jerome Baker

COLUMBUS, OH – OCTOBER 28: Jerome Baker #17 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates after stopping Penn State on downs in the fourth quarter as quarterback Trace McSorley #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions walks off the field at Ohio Stadium on October 28, 2017 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Penn Statte 39-38. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH – OCTOBER 28: Jerome Baker #17 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates after stopping Penn State on downs in the fourth quarter as quarterback Trace McSorley #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions walks off the field at Ohio Stadium on October 28, 2017 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Penn Statte 39-38. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

Baker is arguably the biggest question mark at the linebacker position. The Buckeyes 6-foot-1, 225-pound linebacker isn’t the most physical prospect at his position, but he has the speed and size to make plays in pass coverage and against the run.

Baker earned the starting outside linebacker role entering his sophomore season, filling the void for New York Jets first-round pick Darron Lee. He led the Buckeyes in tackles in 2017, recording 72 tackles, eight tackles for a loss, and 3.5 sacks.

Miller lists the Buckeyes linebacker as the fifth overall prospect at his position, but also labels him the “biggest faller.” Kiper, on the other hand, has Baker listed as the No. 8 outside linebacker on his prospect rankings.

Despite a down season, Baker should still be considered one of the top linebacker prospects in this year’s draft class. He can easily boost his draft stock with an impressive performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, and his pass coverage skills could make him a viable option to replace Casillas at weakside linebacker.

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