FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- The Falcons traded two of their second-round picks (No. 34 and No. 48) and a fourth round pick (No. 103) with Washington to move to No. 21 overall and select USC tackle Sam Baker Saturday during the NFL Draft.
The Redskins also sent the Falcons the No. 84 and No. 154 pick, giving the Birds three, third-round selections and two picks in the fifth round.
Even though he missed three full games and a good portion of two others in 2007, he became only the third three-time All-American first-team selection in school history. The first to accomplish that feat was linebacker Richard Wood (1972-74), followed by quarterback Matt Leinart (2003-05).
He also garnered All-American first-team honors from the Walter Camp Foundation and was an All-Pac-10 first-team pick. He shared USC Offensive Lineman of the Year Award honors, as he produced 88 knockdowns and 12 touchdown-resulting blocks.
Baker comes from a family with strong sports tradition. His uncle, Ben Baker, was an offensive lineman at Duke, playing tackle for the Blue Devils from 1969-71. His father, David, is the commissioner of the Arena Football League and formerly played basketball at UC Irvine and then professionally in Europe.
"From my perspective, I saw a young man that started 49 out of 52 games in the Pac 10 as a left tackle, and had a pretty good run with Coach (Pete) Carroll," Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith said. He’s a very efficient pass blocker and outstanding athlete. I really think he’ll be a cornerstone for us on the offensive line to protect our quarterback and also to open up holes for our running.”
Baker said he visited with the Falcons and Redskins before the Draft.
His selection came earlier than expected (he was at the gym when he got the call) but he was still the seventh lineman taken Saturday. It's a sign of the competitive nature of the NFL and he knows he must stay aggressive to gain a spot in the Falcons starting lineup.
“They have some great offensive linemen there and I know Justin Blalock quite well," Baker said in a conference call. "I was talking to him and he said the Falcons have great guys there. I’m just looking to come in and compete.”
The Falcons could use him at various positions. He played left tackle the past four years but was recruited to play guard at USC.
Either way, he's already expressed confidence in the coaching staff.
"The new coaching staff is doing some new things and people are starting to buy into it," he said. "Just from making my visit, I can tell how attitudes have changed. I’m really excited to be part of the group that will turn things around.”
MORE ON TACKLE SAM BAKER:
- JERSEY: Get your Sam Baker jersey at Falcons365
- VIDEO: Combine Interview | Highlights
- WIKIPEDIA: Sam Baker
- NFL.com: Sam Baker Profile
- YOUTUBE: 2008 Rose Bowl - Sam Baker
- YOUTUBE: Sam Baker interview at the 2008 Rose Bowl
- YOUTUBE: Sam Baker's Truck
