The San Francisco 49ers are hosting Ohio State linebacker Jerome Baker for a pre-draft visit on Friday, according to Josh Norris of Rotoworld and NBC Sports.


Baker becomes the ninth known pre-draft visit for the 49ers. NFL teams are permitted to host up to 30 players for visits at each team's headquarters. Those visitors are not allowed to work out for the team unless they are local prospects. NFL teams can host an unlimited number of local prospects.


In three seasons with the Buckeyes, Baker registered 158 combined tackles, 17.5 for a loss, seven sacks, two interceptions, four passes defensed, a forced fumble, and three fumble recoveries. His best statistical season came as a sophomore in 2016 when he recorded 83 combined tackles, 9.5 for a loss, 3.5 sacks, and two interceptions in 13 games. During his junior year in 2017, Baker made 72 combined tackles, eight for a loss, 3.5 sacks, three passes defensed, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries in 13 games.

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At the NFL Scouting Combine, the 6-foot-1 and 229-pound Baker had a 40-time of 4.53 seconds, a vertical jump of 36.5 inches, a broad jump of 126 inches, and had 22 reps in the bench press. Other measurables for Baker include an arm length of 31 1/2 inches and hands that measure 10 3/8 inches.

NFL.com projects Baker to be a second- or third-round draft pick.



Lance Zierlein of NFL Media, who compares Baker to Darron Lee, had the following to say in his scouting report:


"Baker is a likely 4-3 weakside linebacker candidate with the range and speed to chase and tackle around the field and the coverage talent to squeeze routes from man or zone. What Baker has in athletic ability and speed, he lacks in strength and toughness against the run. Baker's junior season failed to impress and teams will have to decide if he's a sub-package linebacker or a three-down talent. Baker lacks instincts teams look for from the position, but it's hard to ignore his rare speed. He could find early snaps in sub-packages, but may never be more than an average starter."

Tony Pauline of Draft Analyst had the following to say in his scouting report:

"Baker is a terrific athlete who shows great range and the ability to make plays in every area of the field. He's best defending the run and struggles in coverage situations, which makes a move to inside linebacker in a 3-4 alignment likely. He comes with tremendous upside, but Baker must elevate every aspect of his game to meet expectations."

Measurables


Height: 6-1
Weight: 229 lbs.
Arm length: 31 1/2 inches
Hand length: 10 3/8 inches

NFL Scouting Combine


40-time: 4.53 seconds
Vertical: 36.5 inches
Broad jump: 126 inches
Bench press: 22 reps


College Statistics


Year G Tkl Loss Sk PD Int
2015 7 3 0.0 0.0 0 0
2016 13 83 9.5 3.5 0 2
2017 13 72 8.0 3.5 3 0
Totals 33 158 17.5 7.0 3 2


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