On paper it wasn’t pretty but now graduated Free Safety Sean Baker’s pro day put him back into the category of being drafted in April’s NFL Draft. On the surface Baker’s workout doesn’t look very impressive, but when you compare his numbers against other free safety’s in this year’s class, Baker is one of the best.
Baker is currently ranked by cbssports.com as the 15th best Free Safety and the 315 prospect overall, and projected to be a 7th round draft pick or a rookie free agent.
225 LBS Bench press: This is one area that I personally was interested to see how BSU seniors did. Strength and conditioning coach Dave Feely garnered much praise after completely revamping the weight program. Players reported breaking personal records in many lifting areas. It seems that one year in Feely’s program was more than enough for Baker as he posted 24 repetitions on the bench press. To put this into perspective, according to cbssports.com, Baker would have been the strongest FS at the combine, next best was George Iloka of Boise with 20 reps. Safety isn’t exactly a position defined by its brute strength, however for a Mid-Major player trying to make it in the NFL, every advantage matters.
40-Yard-Dash 4.65: This time is a little surprising, when on the field Baker was in on almost every play no matter where it was on the field. This 40-time isn’t blazing fast, but for a safety Baker’s size it is serviceable. Baker ran a faster 40 time prior to his workout. 4.65 is good enough to be a safety in the NFL.
Vertical Jump 35.5: BSU fans were tantalized during Baker’s four years watching him turn into the program’s all time interceptions leader. This vertical jump was 2nd of all Free Safeties according to cbssports. For an NFL team looking at a potential defensive back, a good performance in the vertical jump test is always important.
Size 5’11 205: Size is always a factor when evaluating a NFL prospect. And luckily for Baker, his 5’11 size is right about average with his 205 weight, Baker is just the right size. The only problem with being under 6-foot would be that without a blazing fast 40-time he is a little disadvantaged.
Intangibles: Ok so you can’t exactly measure a players leadership and heart with a number. However just being around Sean this season I can tell you that he has more than enough heart and drive to make it at the next level.
Analysis: Look at his tape and there is no doubt that he can play football. On paper, he is a little less impressive, however when you compare Sean Baker to other safeties in this year’s NFL Draft class, he matches up very well.
My prediction: 6-7 round pick
