3. Jerome Baker

Dolphins middle linebacker Jerome Baker is emerging as one of the top young linebackers in the league. He has the tools to be a very good cover linebacker and is a great run stuffer. This week he will need to be at the top of his game. The Jaguars have done a very good job spreading the ball around to different wide receivers.

They have been attacking linebackers in zone coverage and exploiting them with their skilled wideouts. Baker can’t let these receivers get anything in the middle of the field this week.

While his role in pass coverage will be important, his main role will be slowing down this Jaguars running game. Rookie back James Robinson is looking like a possible rookie of the year candidate early on. Last week he had a rushing touchdown and over 100 rushing yards against a tough Titans defense. Baker must plug the gaps and make plays against a very average Jaguars offensive line.

Jerome Baker is everything you want in a modern NFL linebacker. He is quick, strong, and smart. Baker is also an excellent leader in the locker room. The defense really rallies around him, and for good reason. However, early in this season he has had some struggles. His stats are solid, but he needs to cut down on mental mistakes. If he does that, he could become one of the leagues better linebackers.