10 NFL rookies who improved their stock in Week 1 of preseason

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MIAMI, FL – AUGUST 09: Jerome Baker #55 of the Miami Dolphins warms up before a preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Hard Rock Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

6. Jerome Baker, LB, Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins’ youth movement on defense this off-season was needed after the unit has been mediocre over the last decade. The unit still has some positional battles that must be sorted out, with the linebacker trio needing to find a starter on the strong-side. Third-round pick Jerome Baker may have already supplanted veteran Stephone Anthony because of his performance in Week 1.

Baker was moved into the starting lineup on practice this past Sunday, per Miami Herald beat reporter Barry Jackson. Baker was all over the field against Tampa Bay, showing off speed and aggression that affected several plays that he had little business being involved with. This defense has desperately needed a consistent threat capable of what Baker showed.

This always felt inevitable, despite Miami throwing away a fifth-round pick for Anthony last year. Anthony’s had significant troubles with the mental side of the game, whereas Baker’s excelled as a run and chase outside linebacker. His 2016 film at Ohio State was filled with big plays, and his role with Miami gives him the same responsibilities.