Sam Baker

Full Name: Samuel Baker	College: USC
Height/Weight: 6'5/305	Position: Offensive tackle
Birthdate: May 30, 1985
Birthplace: Tustin, California

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1 Biography
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[edit] Biography

Sam Baker, a four-year starting offensive tackle at USC, is one of the top-rated linemen in the 2008 NFL Draft.

In high school, Baker won dozens of accolades, including being named to The Sporting News Hot 100, SuperPrep and PrepStar's All-American teams, and USA Today All-USA second team. He red-shirted his freshman year (2003) at USC, and switched from offensive guard to offensive tackle before the 2004 season.

In 2004, he made four Freshman All-American teams and received numerous All-Pac-10 team honors. He was also named USC's 2004 Offensive Lineman of the year. These accolades continued throughout his career -- in 2005, he made CBS Sportsline's first-team All-American squad, and in 2006, he made first or second All-American teams of eight different outlets.

Prior to the 2007 season, Baker had arthroscopic left knee surgery, and was on the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award watch lists. An injury-riddled season ended his dreams of obtaining hardware, but he nevertheless was named a Walter Camp First Team All-American.

[edit] Scouting Report

After Jake Long, Baker is listed as the second-best tackle in the 2008 NFL Draft by most sources. He has excellent footwork for someone his size, and has an excellent reach and large hands. An excellent pass blocker -- arguably the best pass-blocking tackle in the country -- Baker was a four-year started for a talented USC team, a large credit to him. Coaches rave about his letter-perfect technique and ability to sustain blocks.

On the downside, Baker is coming off a hamstring injury which are typically hard to shake. Even at 305 pounds, he is undersized by NFL tackle standards. His run blocking is adequate but hardly otherworldly, and he seems to have a laisse-faire attitude. USC coach Pete Carroll would take exception to the latter remark; Carroll has previously touted Baker's leadership and "tenacity".