Tales from the Sunnyside: Chris Baker

by Emmett Smith on May 5, 2009 11:30 AM MDT in 2009 Re-Loading Season Comment 75 comments

A lie can run around the world twice while the truth is still getting its shoes on. - Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens)

Like all college players whose names weren't called on Draft Day, Chris Baker knows that he has something to prove. He's heard all the opinions - "Boom or Bust," "Must be in the right system," "Left school too early," "Character concerns abound," "Troublemaker," "Takes plays off."

Once projected as a 3rd- to 4th-round pick but left undrafted, the 6'2", 326 lb. Baker knows that he is lucky to have his first chance with the Broncos. Listening to the NFL Draft for two days without hearing your name, your heart gets weighty and your thoughts darker with each passing pick. By the time you're listening to the 7th round and knowing in your very soul that you're a better player than the ones who are being chosen, that darkness can coalesce in one of two ways - depression,or commitment. Chris Baker has chosen commitment

If your choice is commitment, you're going to go out and do anything in your power to challenge people's perceptions of you. From the Hampton University coach, Jerry Holmes, who told the media that he didn't think Baker should have left school, to the media itself who gleefully passed around the allegations of character issues without finding out the story, Baker has a lot of people to disprove. Print articles like this one claimed that Baker's time at Penn State was marred by ‘frequent off-field incidents'. What they didn't tell you was that ‘frequent' meant allegations of two fights and a single ticket for harboring a ‘dangerous dog'. I don't support either situation, but you could question if two issues and a ticket is frequent. Especially if you learn all the facts.

As broncosmontana dealt with in his excellent post, Chris Baker's high school history teacher and football coach felt that Baker wasn't told the truth in his situation at Penn State. Nittany Lions head coach Joe Paterno initially promised Baker that allegations and charges stemming from an alleged fight would not affect his place on the football team. However, Paterno may have changed his mind when media attention grew. That's not an issue, in and of itself. Sometimes you need to change the response when public pressure increases. Perhaps it did. According to an ESPN video report, from 2002 to 2008, Penn State had a total of 46 players who had been charged with a total of 163 counts of criminal behavior . Many of the charges were dismissed, but 45 resulted in guilty pleas or convictions. It's not surprising that under those circumstances, something had to have been done. Baker was dismissed from the football team.

It might also be telling that his line coach from Penn State, Larry Johnson Sr., has kept a close relationship with the young man despite the situation. Johnson was there for him, even in this difficult time. The coach told him that it was "an opportunity to start over ... and get to the next level."

"[Johnson] was like a father figure," Baker said. "He always expected the best of us. He coached very intensely, he wanted the best out of every player so that's how he coached and that's how he treats you. If you ever needed something, he'll be the one that will sit down and talk with you. If you're ever wrong, he'll be the one to tell you that you're wrong."

But this isn't meant to approve or pass over what happened. The fact is that people do make mistakes, young people often make even more and more egregious ones and it will always be true that a person's response to resistance and trouble says far more about them than the problems themselves. They can sit and complain about the terrible plight they are in and the burdens they bear, reject their own culpability or they can buckle down and work through it. Thrown off the Penn State squad, Baker moved down the road to Virginia and Hampton University, and got even better at his chosen craft.

"Everything happens for a reason," Baker mused. "God gave me a second chance at Hampton so I'm just taking advantage of every moment. I could have been mad about everything that happened at Penn State and done nothing with my life. I used my situation for motivation and overcame everything with the second chance that I was given."

He didn't always want to play football. He was 6'0" when he was 11, and thought that he'd play basketball. He also thought that he'd be too big to play football. He tied to clarify the situation in his interview with Draft Zone.

"I wanted to play football," he said, "but I thought I was always too big to play. I have been 6'00 since I was 11 so I fell in love with basketball. But the moment I got a taste of football my decision was made."

Baker has one leg up on his circumstance - he doesn't lack confidence in himself. Chris knows that professionally, he has all the physical tools one needs to be a successful nose tackle in the NFL. He has long arms, big hands which he uses well to shed blockers, and a powerful lower body. He anchors well and has good explosion. He doesn't mind taking on double teams. The knocks on him are insufficient experience at a high level of competition, a motor that has run hot and cold (some felt that was due to insufficient competition as well) and hips that are stiff when he changes direction. He may lack the foot speed to chase down quarterbacks and runners.

Following Baker's Pro Day, Walterfotball.com asked. "2/24/09: How does a 326-pound tackle run a 5.02 and notch a 35.5-inch vertical?"

As is common, some of Baker's scouting reports are contradictory. The Sporting News War Room claims that he's not fast, quick or agile. His pro day numbers have refuted that. He's described as an unusually intelligent student of the game who reads run/pass well, but others note that he is sometimes caught out of position (all players are, at times). His lack of stamina is noticed, but some also admit that this may be a simple playing-weight issue. If so, proper nutrition and conditioning will dispel it.

What about his character? His high school defensive coordinator wrote, "I really believe that the charges against Chris were against the character that I had grown to appreciate while having him as a player and student." Before games, it turns out that Baker likes to listen to gospel music to get ‘psyched up'. Hunter Ansley of the Draft Zone asked Baker,

"What's the first thing you'll do after signing an NFL contract? Backer replied, "I'm going to give thanks to God first."

That doesn't sound like a young man in pursuit of trouble. It sounds like one in pursuit of his dream

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Comments

hope this guy can succeed here in Denver

along with many of our other CFAs

by lolcopter on May 5, 2009 11:37 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

hopefully it works out for him

got knows we need all the help we can get on the DL

by uclabruin34 on May 5, 2009 11:38 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Right on. Thanks Bear.

I’m a fan of Chris and will believe the best, until he gives me reason to believe otherwise. I don’t think he will.

He is definitely one of the most fascinating (and promising) CFA signings I’ve seen.

by NedBronco on May 5, 2009 11:38 AM MDT reply actions 1 recs

Great sunny side Doc!

Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
All I want is 53 Rod Smiths. Is that asking too much????

by boydy2669 on May 5, 2009 11:44 AM MDT reply actions 1 recs

Chris Baker

Having made a few [sic] mistakes my very own self, I am happy to see Chris Baker get a chance to shine with the Broncos! This story got me past the all-too-frequent mantra [especially for us recently] that the NFL is a business, and reminded me once again that this is a game played by very big boys who, quite often, are not “men” yet in any sense of the word. My hope is that Baker’s soul will grow to fit his body, and that he will make all of us broncomaniacs proud that somebody at Dove Valley looked past all the smoke and saw the fire.

by 42n81 on May 5, 2009 11:52 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

If you know someone

…who hasn’t made mistakes as a young man – they must have been one seriously boring bloke. I ask those who love to to forgive mine – can’t do less for him.

Hillis/Moreno in '09

by Emmett Smith on May 5, 2009 12:11 PM MDT up reply actions 2 recs

All in...

McDaniels seems to be betting pretty wild with a lot of his moves this off-season but for some reason I feel optimistic about the upcoming season.

I can’t say why but I feel good about this kid too and just hope he understands how thin the line is for him between life in the NFL and working for Tatum down at the cell phone shop.

Good luck Chris!

by ddtraveller on May 5, 2009 12:15 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like him

I especially like the fact that he was rated by many scouts to be the equivalent of Ron Brace, only with more 3-4 exerience. I really hope he not only makes the team, but becomes an impact player as well.

Marcus Thomas should be able to give him some “been there” kind of guidance. It’s still going to be the most interesting pre-season…..

"Now we have them where we want them"
-Kieth Bishop - On the Denver 2 yard line, Cleveland Ohio, 1987

by AlanC on May 5, 2009 11:56 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Great Information

I am certainly in his camp now. Amazing how often informaiton is just repeated in the MSM. What are these guy paid to do?

by phondonkey on May 5, 2009 12:02 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

High hopes for Baker

I think that Chris will take this all as motivation and make the team this year. I don’t know if he’ll ever make the starting lineup this season, but I don’t doubt that he can make the rotation. He has all the tools to be a solid NT for the Broncos, and I think that most of his ‘character issues’ are far enough in the past to have become nothing more than learning experiences.

Good luck, Chris. Work hard and you will be rewarded. Broncos Nation is pulling for you.

by BroncosBassist on May 5, 2009 12:08 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Another great post

Recommended BroncoBear

Victor Frankl:

What man actually needs is not a tensionless state but rather the striving and struggling for some goal worthy of him. What he needs is not the discharge of tension at any cost, but the call of a potential meaning waiting to be fulfilled by him.

Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.

by wyoeng on May 5, 2009 12:19 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

FANTASTIC bear!!

I am so thrilled that you took the time to explore this guy in such depth! I was really hoping someone would, and I’m psyched it was you! Thanks!!

Also, not sure if anyone noticed, but if you follow the link to the fanshot you mentioned, Chris’s high school coach (coachcohen) just graced MHR with a new comment. I hope he feels welcome to join in our conversations here, especially since he’s now coaching in Colorado. It’s always great to hear from the coaches amongst us!

"They need a hero to tell them that the impossible can become possible..... WHEN... YOU'RE... AWESOMMMME!" -- Rhino the Hamster

by broncosmontana on May 5, 2009 12:20 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

And if I were giving out nicknames based on photos alone

the one above would have to be Chris “Manimal” Baker.

"They need a hero to tell them that the impossible can become possible..... WHEN... YOU'RE... AWESOMMMME!" -- Rhino the Hamster

by broncosmontana on May 5, 2009 12:25 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good work Bronco Bear for pulling this together.

We have some very interesting undrafted free agents on the D-line.

I’m thinking here especially of Pedescleaux, Jones and Baker. Can’t remember when we had so much upside from 3 undrafted players like we have here.

That said I think we have to be realistic. The odds of all 3 turning into quality NFL starters is very low. A check of previous drafts indicates that generally speaking only 5-8 undrafted players make it to that level across the entire league. So for us to get all 3 would be a bit of a coup!

But the odds on at least one of them coming through for us look pretty good I would say.

Nice work and rec’d

by British Bronco on May 5, 2009 12:22 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

We will have a Tales on each this next week

Hillis/Moreno in '09

by Emmett Smith on May 5, 2009 12:43 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

: D

by NedBronco on May 5, 2009 1:12 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

AWESOME

Can’t wait to read the rest! Hats off to you, bear!

by BroncosBassist on May 5, 2009 1:35 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs

I really like all 3 Dline of the CFA

But I also line Lee Robinson and D Johnson who were both rated between the 4th and 6th round

by gnarlybroncodude on May 5, 2009 1:06 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here's hoping

that this is the year where we finally strike gold for the front seven.

And if we managed to do it with only one draft pick, that would be even sweeter!

"They need a hero to tell them that the impossible can become possible..... WHEN... YOU'RE... AWESOMMMME!" -- Rhino the Hamster

by broncosmontana on May 5, 2009 2:52 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry that was meant to be Rulon Davis, not Rulon Jones LOL!

by British Bronco on May 5, 2009 12:27 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Rec'd, Bear.

You had me at the second paragraph.

"Upon the instruments of death, the sunlight brightly gleams."

by Tempestuous Binary on May 5, 2009 12:38 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Good Luck Chris

may you realize your dreams

My Dad told me about the 4 seasons:
Pre-season
Regular-season
Post-season
Off-season

by KaptainKirk on May 5, 2009 12:42 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Great Post Doc

I am not sure where the season will end up, but this has been exciting to watch. We actually have people, players, coaches that really want to prove they have what it takes to be Orange and Blue!

Go Broncos

Coach, I am Hurt, Not Dead - Remember the Titans

by Halfmile on May 5, 2009 1:17 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Love the DL signings as CFA

I’m hoping at least two of the DL we signed make the team. Chris Baker is just a freak 326lbs runs a 5.02 40 and has a 35.5 vert. WTF! thats insane!

"Look, all I want to do is win"-Josh McDaniels
Knowshon Moreno NFL OROY!!
Robert Ayers NFL DROY!!

by Rockymountainway on May 5, 2009 1:17 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

don't forget

he is also 6’ 2" with long arms and big hands. Guy should be able to bat a few balls down, don’t ya think?

"They need a hero to tell them that the impossible can become possible..... WHEN... YOU'RE... AWESOMMMME!" -- Rhino the Hamster

by broncosmontana on May 5, 2009 1:34 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

just be an anchor.....if he can be an anchor and stuff the run then we have what we need.....

Hope he is the ONE

by yallas on May 5, 2009 4:05 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

100% agreed Yallas!

Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
All I want is 53 Rod Smiths. Is that asking too much????

by boydy2669 on May 6, 2009 9:49 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't trust pro-day 40 times...

Pro-Day 40 times are really inconsistent. There is no clue to how fast the track was, how they start/stopped the timer, etc.

I think Baker is an interesting prospect… but its silly to compare proday 40 times to combine times, etc.

by cjfarls on May 6, 2009 9:01 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thats a good point

There’s a guy who went to school around me and at 6’5" about 240lbs ran a 4.45 40 as a WR. He was a 2nd round pick by the Dolts a few years ago. Of course he has gone on to become a very successful WR in the NFL.

"Look, all I want to do is win"-Josh McDaniels
"Kyle’s arm,was strong enough to overthrow Eddie Royal today."- Josh McDaniels

Knowshon Moreno NFL OROY!!
Robert Ayers NFL DROY!!

by Rockymountainway on May 7, 2009 4:36 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Great Post Doc, Did'nt know alot about Baker--but will watch for his turn around,

Always like to root for the underdog—sounds like he’s got alot to prove.
Rec’d

Real Power, comes with the realization that One cannot change the Moment;
only ones perception of it: Atitude! JQM

by UB3 on May 5, 2009 1:42 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Poll result from Black Shoe Diaries

Fully one quarter of their respondents felt he had star potential, and they unequivocally meant Pro Bowler.

Only a small handful thought drafting him was in the category of “Danger Will Robinson!” The broad majority were rooting for him to mature and succeed.

And bear in mind these were fans from Penn State, the team that cut him loose, and that their opinions of him were largely formed based on his early days before he found a home at Hampton U.

"They need a hero to tell them that the impossible can become possible..... WHEN... YOU'RE... AWESOMMMME!" -- Rhino the Hamster

by broncosmontana on May 5, 2009 1:47 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Great information doc, thanks!

I have a feeling NT is going to be very important for us this year. I am really starting to like the way this 3-4/4-3/5-2 highly adaptable front seven is starting to take shape. This kid could play a huge role in allowing the Denver D to stop the run with seven, allowing the DBs the opportunity to take occasional chances. With this informatiuon it is really easy to pull for him.

It all starts in the trenches - HT 11/11/08
Leave the hateful vitriol to the uninformed - HT 3/16/09

by firstfan on May 5, 2009 1:49 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Fantastic Post!

I have alot of confidence in this kid, and can’t wait to see him play.

Rec’d

"Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence."

Vince Lombardi

by Denver_Native on May 5, 2009 1:56 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Excellent Post!

Chris Brown is gonna be just fine this year. He’s been given a huge opportunity with an excellent organization. I trust he realizes that and will truly seize the moment.

Romans 5:8

by BronconNC on May 5, 2009 2:05 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

I meant Chris Baker...oops

Romans 5:8

by BronconNC on May 5, 2009 2:05 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Doc Great Post

From all the evidence presented I’d say Chris Baker has been given a bad rap and the MSM would like to keep in the limelight without really getting to know him or what really happened at PSU. The Chris Baker we’ve had the chance to get know so far shows a man of great character and man driven to succeed.

I was actually laughing at one point…in your post Doc you used this line from a draft report I’m assuming “He may lack the foot speed to chase down quarterbacks and runners.” So what had me laughing is how many DT’s in this league really possess the speed to run down a QB or RB in full stride? A few maybe, but then that isn’t really the DT’s job now is it………

by bchiper on May 5, 2009 2:06 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Chris "Resurrected From The Dead" baker, may be the remarkable story

of this draft. I was all for Sammy Lee Hill before the draft, but getting this guy in UDFA is a plus and congratulations should go out to McDaniels and Nolan for finding such a gem. It’s heart warming to hear a story of how a kid like this didn’t give up on life and through his will and determination has gotten his foot in the door. Now all he has to do is tear the door down and come on in!!!. Great job bear and I can’t wait for the Tails to come out. 13-3 Baby!!!

by bfree2bronc on May 5, 2009 2:22 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

13-3

I was for Sammie Lee Hill as well, but 13-3!! Put down the crack pipe :)

by yallas on May 5, 2009 4:10 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

WE HAVE OURSELVES A FOOTBALL PLAYER

Great Post, I can hardly wait for more “Tails”

More from the article by Hunter Ansley of the Draft Zone

DZ: What do you feel is your best measurable? What about your best skill that can’t be measured?

CB: I don’t know what my best measurable is, but I am good at stopping the run and getting after the QB. I am very versatile and can play any position on the D-line. The one attribute that is key to my success is my hunger to be the best on every play.

DZ: What do you feel is the most important characteristic for a successful defensive lineman to have?

CB: A defensive lineman has to have that killer instinct. He has to be tough all the time. He has to be able to find weaknesses in his opponent and take over the game.

ENOUGH SAID……………..

To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also DREAM; not only plan, but also BELIEVE.

by Broncobh on May 5, 2009 2:37 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Yes, in other words,

“I’m a humble badass.”

-Harvey J. Neptune

"Practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect." - Vince Lombardi

by HarvJNep2n on May 5, 2009 10:03 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

But we didn't draft and defensive players WAH WAH WAH!

:-) Baker and Ayers seem like 2 good ones to me!

We are doing great aren’t we?

Playoffs again!

"when they find the center of the universe, i know quite a few people that are going to be upset it isn't them" dmitchell624

by dmitchell624 on May 5, 2009 3:34 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Draft ANY

"when they find the center of the universe, i know quite a few people that are going to be upset it isn't them" dmitchell624

by dmitchell624 on May 5, 2009 3:41 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL well-played.

-Harvey J. Neptune

"Practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect." - Vince Lombardi

by HarvJNep2n on May 5, 2009 10:04 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't get me wrong

I do like the signing of Chris Baker, especially as an UDFA, but in reading these two articles, it seems that Chris was a little more in the wrong than he likes to think and that his “in the wrong place at the wrong time” is stretching the truth to say the least. Does anyone have any other articles that give the other side of the story? I’m not one to read two articles and then make quick judgments from them alone.

by Kapiti on May 5, 2009 3:44 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

If you haven't already

check out the comments from the PSU fans I talked to over at Black Shoe Diaries.

I don’t think anyone is saying he was pure as the driven snow, but most seem to agree he got a raw deal and bad legal advice.

"They need a hero to tell them that the impossible can become possible..... WHEN... YOU'RE... AWESOMMMME!" -- Rhino the Hamster

by broncosmontana on May 5, 2009 4:15 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for that.

I did check out Black Shoe Diaries and found the discussion interesting. However, it doesn’t change my perception that he was in the wrong. I wish he would own up to his actions but quite possibly my interpretation to those events could be wrong also. People do make mistakes, two big ones in his case, but time will prove the essence of his character and whether or not those instances are truly a reflection of who he is. I’m betting that they are not. I guess we’ll see.

by Kapiti on May 5, 2009 4:36 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I just wanted to pass this one on

From Coach Cohen:
CoachCohen wrote:

Chris Baker at Penn State
I was the Defensive Coordinator for Chris at Windsor (CT) H.S. in 2003 and 2004. Chris is a fine student athlete, I also taught him in History class. Basically at PSU he was accused of being in 2 on campus fights. I think enough of Chris that I wrote a character letter on his behalf. However, due to the expenses of the legal process, Chris pled guilty to misdemeanors with the understanding that he would be able to continue his career at PSU…however once all the sht hit the fan (ESPN doing report on PSU supposedly being out of control last summer on OUtside the Lines)—-Paterno responded by kicking 2 players off the team, one being Chris. I felt that Chris was treated unfairly, however he thrived at Hampton.
I really believe that the charges against Chris were against the character that I had grown to appreciate while having him as a player and student.
i spoke to him last night and he is fired up to start with a clean slate. He is a FREAK of an athlete and I think will make people in Denver very happy for years to come.

Hillis/Moreno in '09

by Emmett Smith on May 5, 2009 6:31 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I saw that.

Nevertheless, thanks for posting that.

It’s not that I don’t believe the coach in his testament to the character of Chris. I do. It’s just that i’m a little bit skeptical in letting Chris off for things he may have done in the past and i’m not yet buying his assertion that he was “in the wrong place at the wrong time.” Regardless, I am happy to have Chris on the team and look forward to his development as a football player and more importantly as a human being. Thanks again. Great article by the way.

by Kapiti on May 5, 2009 7:07 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

This from his OWN coach at high school!

Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
All I want is 53 Rod Smiths. Is that asking too much????

by boydy2669 on May 6, 2009 9:56 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here's a sampling

from The JuggerNitt:

while no one wants to defend what the guys did by saying they didn’t do anything wrong, the piece definitely got blown out of hand (and was also a very one sided hatchet job. There were reports afterwards by numerous people who had been asked to be interviewed by ESPN, but when they said things that didn’t fit with the "JoePa has lost control of the program, and every player is a thug" message that the OTL crew was trying to send, then none of those interviews were used).

It appears that lot of the controversy was blown up by a sensationalized segment on OTL. PSU fans are really upset about it, but they were kind enough to clue me in anyway. Good guys over there.

"They need a hero to tell them that the impossible can become possible..... WHEN... YOU'RE... AWESOMMMME!" -- Rhino the Hamster

by broncosmontana on May 5, 2009 4:21 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Neither am I, and that's the point

As far as my perspective – you can be at the wrong place in the wrong time by having the wrong friends and getting into trouble. I can’t let myself believe that he’s a rotten kid – too many good people believe otherwise. What I said was, “this isn’t meant to approve or pass over what happened.” I meant it.

But I don’t accept that the standard of ‘what someone has written’ is acceptable as a standard of evidence. We do know that according to some sources, including the man who wrote this character letter, that this incident did not reflect the young man they knew. Baker was apparently promised that the legal solution would not harm his football career. If he was, that wasn’t true. Again, I wasn’t there.

What I do know is that people like his high school coach vouched for him. That what was being alleged was perhaps not in keeping with his character. I believe that to be possible, and please understand that I’m not taking either side. I’m stating, for the record, that there are no outstanding charges against him, any more than there are against you or I. That he’s made apparently made good on the terms of his conviction. And, that being legally and morally behind him, that he’s been apprised by the Broncos that should any future conduct issues arise, his career is toast. From this point on, they are moving forward, and so will I. It’s not my (perhaps even ‘our’) place to judge him, and as far as I’m concerned, he deserves a new slate.

Hillis/Moreno in '09

by Emmett Smith on May 5, 2009 4:34 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

We need a break

I like his potential and wouldn’t it be great if he turned into the anchor of our defense…..I am sick and tired of other teams mining d-line talent and hope this will be our Casey Hampton…Having said that, he did go undrafted and other teams who ran the 3-4 passed him by as well……let’s hope for something great because we are gonna need it.

by yallas on May 5, 2009 4:03 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

He has to prove himself like anyone else

Nothing is a given here. It’s just nice to see that everyone is giving him a fair shot and not rushing to judgment over a controversy few people understand.

"They need a hero to tell them that the impossible can become possible..... WHEN... YOU'RE... AWESOMMMME!" -- Rhino the Hamster

by broncosmontana on May 5, 2009 4:23 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't believe much of what I hear through the media anyway....

A good way to live I think

by yallas on May 5, 2009 4:49 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

These are not normal times

Normally not many UDFAs make it onto rosters. Its a numbers game with the guys already here who know the system and have established themselves in it.

However, these are not normal times in Denver. We got rid of a ton of dead wood on the defensive side of the ball and we may not yet be done dumping roster players. That creates far greater opportunity this year than almost any other.

We have how many openings for new talent on the defensive side of the ball? Enough that all the defensive draft picks and at least 2 or 3 of the CFAs will have legitimate shots at making this team. Unless something happens like an injury or something, I believe you will see Carter as a solid part of the defensive rotation this year.

I’m not that confident about Moss and a few others.

"Now we have them where we want them"
-Kieth Bishop - On the Denver 2 yard line, Cleveland Ohio, 1987

by AlanC on May 5, 2009 4:37 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Plus

You will never sneak this guy through waivers to get him on the practice squad!

"Now we have them where we want them"
-Kieth Bishop - On the Denver 2 yard line, Cleveland Ohio, 1987

by AlanC on May 5, 2009 4:38 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Why not?

If thirty one other teams didn’t want him through seven rounds, why would they change opinion overnight? If he doesn’t fit right in at first I think the practce squad might be the perfect place to cashe him for a year until he blossoms.

It all starts in the trenches - HT 11/11/08
Leave the hateful vitriol to the uninformed - HT 3/16/09

by firstfan on May 5, 2009 10:10 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Same reason Denver waited

They were probably concerned with his past, and everyone played the “wait until after the draft, then try to get him.” I seem to recall that he had some other offers.

However, if he goes to the practice squad, some team will be able to claim him without needing to convice him to join. Might be a team looking for a NT prospect, might just be someone from the AFC West looking to rob Denver. Either way, I think he has a small chance of making through waivers…and that is a good thing!

"Don't feed the trolls. Remember to be polite. And please show self-restraint in comment length!" -Me, to myself, because I need constant reminding.

by Disco_Stu on May 6, 2009 10:26 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Beast

I always think of NTs as big blobs who fill up the middle by being impossible to move, like Gilbert Brown of Super Bowl 32 fame. This dude looks like the Incredible Hulk! If he is 326 lbs now, he looks like his frame could support more. He might just turn out to be the steal of the draft.

by ITPro on May 5, 2009 4:48 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Bear this is completely off subject

I got your e-mail—went to get the link—came back to send it to you…and your e-mail had vanished.

Here is the link:

http://today.sportingnews.com/sportingnewstoday/20090505/?sub_id=CVFxh2Oz6oEwR&folio=CGI

It works for me when I click the fanshot—it may be that I have a required cookie when you sign up for Sporting news.

It really wasn’t much. They just point out eight rookies that are really turning heads at mini camps. Its only one paragraph so you didn’t miss much.

Guardian of the Gate to La La Land!
Little, Wright, Atwater, Davis, and Sharpe...
Why are they not in the Hall...I just don't understand.

by Mike Clark on May 5, 2009 6:21 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

I get TSN daily, but they still didn't let me through

I suspect that was the paragraph about Smith, wasn’t it?

Hillis/Moreno in '09

by Emmett Smith on May 5, 2009 6:33 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Yes. Just a little love. One paragraph...

I thought when I did the shot it would explain the trade.

Guardian of the Gate to La La Land!
Little, Wright, Atwater, Davis, and Sharpe...
Why are they not in the Hall...I just don't understand.

by Mike Clark on May 5, 2009 9:29 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wish this player all the best, but...

What they didn’t tell you was that ‘frequent’ meant allegations of two fights and a single ticket for harboring a ‘dangerous dog’.

This part about harboring a dangerous dog really bothers me on so many levels.

Not to perpetuate negative stereotypes, but I’d really like to know more about this ‘dangerous dog’ ticket and yes I’m curious as to whether or not the dog in question was a staffordshire terrier (pit bull) or some close variant.

Either way, I’m not terribly surprised Mr. Baker fell out of the draft, and wonder how big a role this ‘dangerous dog’ ticket played in scouts evaluating him as some sort of Michael Vick gangster wannabe.

But whatever, I guess I’m overly sensitive to this today, as a friend had to put down their dog (a rescue foundation dog) this morning after it bit a 3rd person in just 5 days. I’ll miss you Jackson !

Anyone that abuses animals or is an adherent to that sort of culture is simply not fit to be a Denver Bronco imho.

Nonetheless, welcome aboard Mr. Baker.

by Jenna Talia on May 5, 2009 11:06 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, good point.

I don’t want the publicity of another Mike Vick.

Verbose in style, dispersion of thought, procrastination in life.

by Tim Lynch on May 6, 2009 7:52 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Jenna

Some of the older members may recall why my own tolerance of the abuse of canines is beyond limited. Still – I am aware that some younger men keep ‘guard’ dogs (that they are generally unable to control and incapable of training). It’s a terrible fact, yet it is a cultural issue. But desite any specter the Vick issue may have wrought, the only evidence that we have is that he got a ticket and had no further issues. To me, that removes this from the discussion.

Again – I’m not interested in these earlier specifics, only because he has served his penalties and is already on notice – if he is the high character man that McD requires, he might find a home here in Denver. If he is not – this will be a short experience. With his life in his own hands, I hope only the best for him.

Hillis/Moreno in '09

by Emmett Smith on May 5, 2009 11:55 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Speaking of Dogs

Another favorite subject of mine. I rescued a Miniature Pinscher(see avatar) around the first of the year. I take her to the dog park frequently to get her socialized. She is possessive of me and tries to go after full grown Pit bulls and she’s only 9.5 lbs. She could qualify as a LB.

My Dad told me about the 4 seasons:
Pre-season
Regular-season
Post-season
Off-season

by KaptainKirk on May 6, 2009 7:06 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

I really like Baker's potential!

I too am hoping that he is the steal of the draft. It appears he will be better prepared for the 3-4 than the “higher” rated DT’s that were the hype of the first couple of rounds. Physically, he seems to be exactly what his coach called him, a FREAK of an athlete. I just hope he realizes what a blessing it is to make it to the show.

Here’s to you Chris Baker! Keep your head on straight and do great! We will be your best and strongest supporters if you do that!

A proud prognostication of 10-6 in 2009!!!

by Broncotodd on May 6, 2009 8:06 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Always appreciate

Your sunny outlook, Doc! Let’s hope Baker can walk the line and perform. Then, we can talk about how the Broncos got the steal of undrafted free-agency.

by Douglas A. Lee on May 6, 2009 8:21 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Nice writeup

I think that was a very fair and impartial writeup. I think what we all need to realize is that he was a college student in his teens (just turned 21 years old) —-and mistakes happen. I’m glad to be out here in Colorado and hope that he can 1. make the roster and 2. make a positive contribution on and off the field.

by coachcohen on May 6, 2009 10:48 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Good to have you, Coach

Hillis/Moreno in '09

by Emmett Smith on May 6, 2009 2:36 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Welcome aboard coach

I agree, Larsen shouldn’t get any bigger. I am getting tired of his bone crushing hits knocking the pixels off my TV, once they fall to the floor they are very hard to find.

by Arctic Bronco on May 6, 2009 11:27 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Probably too late for anyone to read this...

My biggest concern with Baker is the fact that he did go undrafted with the clear level of talent/athleticism he has. NFL Scouts and Front Offices aren’t making decisions on Mainstream Media reports and rumors, so the fact that he was not drafted really has nothing to do with the rumor-mongering by MSM. Teams dig and dig and dig into a person’s past. In Baker’s case, I’m sure that teams like the Broncos that were high on his talent spent a good deal of time interviewing people with intimate knowledge of his problems to find out the real story. And, based on the fact that he went undrafted, those teams didn’t like what they found.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for second chances in life, and I will root for him to succeed. I hope this is a case of a kid being in the wrong place at the wrong time. I hope that he has learned some lessons about life, and will work his butt off to prove all the nay-sayers wrong. However, if he was actually involved in the fights more than he has let on in interviews (and the fact that he went undrafted should tell you what teams in the NFL think), then his interviews are problematic – he basically takes no responsibility for anything that happened at Penn State. He completely denies his role in the fights and acts like he’s the victim. He could be telling the truth, and I hope he is. However, 32 NFL Teams seem to believe that he is not. And they have access to far more info than the media that is reporting on this story.

Anyway, don’t mean to rain on anyone’s parade. I’m just preaching a little caution here, cuz the Baker hype train is in full steam. Like I said – I hope it works out for everyone. :) Go Broncos!

by outdoor_miner on May 7, 2009 10:06 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Your point is well taken

I came away, after reading all the background articles on this, with a slightly different take – in some other interviews he’s up front about making a mistake without getting too detailed. However – the biggest knock on him wasn’t character, and that gets into why he dropped in the draft rankings.

It had a lot to do with his lower level of competition at Hampton, concerns about upper body strength and issues involving abilities as a DE (which is not a problem on the Brnocos, who want a NT) and concerns about two other things: His ability at rushing the QB, which isn’t a big deal for the NT, and concerns about getting caught in misdirection, which IS a concern. He’ll have to really work in the film room to be successful as a pro, and that remains to be seen.

Hillis/Moreno in '09

by Emmett Smith on May 7, 2009 12:16 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for the response

Interesting. I only read a couple articles. From those, I came away believing he pretty much denied doing anything wrong. I still don’t understand what really happened, and (like everything else reported in the media) I take what’s written with a grain of salt. I hope the kid is simply the victim of bad judgment and bad timing, and that he is not a thug. I have to admit that reading his quotes makes me hopeful that he is a good kid. He certainly says the right things, and I like that his Hampton coaches vouch for his character.

However, if what you are saying is true (he dropped due to concerns about his on field ability as opposed to character concerns), I think that makes me less hopeful that he will contribute this year. I understand the fears about his level of competition at Hampton, but he was pretty successful at Penn State as a sophomore. I kept reading that he was a 3rd/4th round pick based on ability. If that’s not true, then that means were left with a real hope and a prayer. Which, of course, can sometimes pan out.

Regardless – great article!

by outdoor_miner on May 7, 2009 3:32 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs