OT Sam Baker, University of Southern California

[DolFan619]

  I've been doing some thinking.  Let's say that the Dolphins pass on Jake Long and select Chris Long with the first overall pick.  Well, clearly there is still a need for a guy who can play the LT position.  By the time we get to the 32nd pick, most of the top shelf guys will be gone.  Guys like: Ryan Clady, Chris Williams, Jeff Otah, and Gosder Cherilus.  Some people say we should take Carl Nicks of Nebraska, others say Anthony Collins of Kansas.  However, I like Sam Baker of USC.  I think a lot of people are really overlooking him, and I think he can be a solid LT at the NFL level.

  He played the LT position all four years he was at USC.  This guy was a big reason why Matt Leinert had a lot of success at USC.  It's easy to have an all-world offense when the quarterback knows his blindside is protected.  Leinert and Booty's jerseys were kept pretty clean during Baker's tenure.  He's tough, smart, strong, and plays with a lot of heart and intensity.  He's had some injuries, but he played through most of those.  He'll have to put on some weight, a solid NFL strength and conditioning program will fix that.  Also, Joe Staley didn't carry a lot of weight coming into the league, but he's done pretty well for himself so far.

  Anyways, I like Sam Baker.  What say you?

http://usctrojans.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/baker_sam00.html

http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/sam-baker?id=186

[Matt McGuire]

I don't think he can play tackle unless in a ZBS scheme. Parcells typically likes bigger OL anyway.

I don't think he can play tackle because he is: short, lacks bulk, short arms. He can be an outstanding guard in this league...reminds me of Alan Faneca with his skill set of intelligence, pass protection, tenacity, and athleticism.

[BigDaddyFin]

Are we still running the zone blocking scheme? 
(personally I prefer it since it takes 90% of the guess work out of the running game)

and also if he's the real deal as far as LT, he's got to have footwork more than anything else.

IF not he might make a fine guard or center.

[Matt McGuire]

Are we still running the zone blocking scheme? 
(personally I prefer it since it takes 90% of the guess work out of the running game)

and also if he's the real deal as far as LT, he's got to have footwork more than anything else.

IF not he might make a fine guard or center.

Um no of course you aren't running a ZBS I was just talking about Sam Baker in general.

You need all the tools, not just footwork. D'Brickashaw Ferguson has great footwork, but he doesn't have a wide body and if he doesn't get stronger he will keep getting bullrushed by the more powerful RDEs.

It is harder to find an elite left tackle than any other position in the NFL.

[YoFuggedaboutit]

It is harder to find an elite left tackle than any other position in the NFL.

And that's why if the Vikings are offering Bryant McKinnie for Jason Taylor, Tuna needs to pull the trigger on that deal.

[Matt McGuire]

And that's why if the Vikings are offering Bryant McKinnie for Jason Taylor, Tuna needs to pull the trigger on that deal.

And if that deal was truly offered there is no doubt in my mind Ireland would pull the trigger....but the fact that this hasn't happened tells me that that deal was never made.

[YoFuggedaboutit]

And if that deal was truly offered there is no doubt in my mind Ireland would pull the trigger....but the fact that this hasn't happened tells me that that deal was never made.

Maybe they're thinking about it or there are other strings attached that they are trying to work out. 

We don't know what's going on in the minds of the GM's.

[bsfins]

And if that deal was truly offered there is no doubt in my mind Ireland would pull the trigger....but the fact that this hasn't happened tells me that that deal was never made.

And Tip his hand,on who he wants to draft a month before the draft...I don't think so....

[Matt McGuire]

And Tip his hand,on who he wants to draft a month before the draft...I don't think so....

Um yeah I know who the Dolphins want to draft (is that what you are saying?) ... I'm sorry? lol

[StL FinFan]

Do we really think that everyone and his dog does not have a pretty good idea who the Dolphins will draft?

[Matt McGuire]

Do we really think that everyone and his dog does not have a pretty good idea who the Dolphins will draft?

Exactly...but it is harder to pin down teh corners they will target moreso than any other position.

[bsfins]

And Braylon Edwards Was 99% pretty sure he was going to be a Dolphin.....Just days before the draft a couple of years ago...

Parcells likes to play head games....Everyone knows he wants to trade out of this pick (Most people think we wont be able to) Most people still don't think we'll take Matt Ryan..(including Ryan's Agent) But we still work him out,Do interviews with him.....It's all head games...

I'm just saying If this offer is on the Table..Parcells isn't going to eliminate the possibility of Jake long...just yet...

Last time I checked none our names are Bill Parcells.....

[Matt McGuire]

And Braylon Edwards Was 99% pretty sure he was going to be a Dolphin.....Just days before the draft a couple of years ago...

Parcells likes to play head games....Everyone knows he wants to trade out of this pick (Most people think we wont be able to) Most people still don't think we'll take Matt Ryan..(including Ryan's Agent) But we still work him out,Do interviews with him.....It's all head games...

I'm just saying If this offer is on the Table..Parcells isn't going to eliminate the possibility of Jake long...just yet...

Last time I checked none our names are Bill Parcells.....

I'm not debating what Ireland is doing here he said it on the NFLN that he won't rule out any possibility...and why would you? You can't show the other poker players on the table what your hand is...same way with the draft. Ireland and Parcells are going to say all the right things about listening to offers to trade down and how great every player in this draft is to go #1.

It is my job to tell you what is going to happen through all of the Matt Ryan & trading down bullcrap that is going on (and I firmly don't understand why you would want to trade out of this pick...this has yet to be debated logically). Chris Long is a lock at #1.

[Matt McGuire]

And Braylon Edwards Was 99% pretty sure he was going to be a Dolphin.....Just days before the draft a couple of years ago...

Stop it right there. We aren't talking about pick #2 or #3.

Jamarcus Russell knew he was goign to be a Raider.
Mario Williams was signed before the draft and he knew the TExans were very interested obviously.
Alex Smith knew he was going to be a 49er.
Eli Manning knew he was going to be taken #1.
Carson Palmer knew he was going to be a Bengal.
David Carr knew hew as going to be a Texan.
Michael Vick knew he was going to be a Falcon after they traded up before the draft for him.

The #1 is a lock every year the closer we get to the draft. In the end I will be right and I'm sorry for calling the lock 3 months before the draft.

[bsfins]

Well It's amazing that are experts that tend to get paid quite a bit of cash...and still have Matt Ryan as their Number one pick......Regardless of what you think your Lock is...you'd not Parcells.....It's Parcells decision to make.....

There's only 1 thing Trues Guaranteed in this world we'll all die.....