The Falcons have been linked with some of the top left tackle prospects in May’s draft, which is right in line with their stated offseason goal to become a tougher team at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.
That interest hardly makes the arrival of Greg Robinson or Jake Matthews a sure thing, however. Depending on the way things break on May 8, the Falcons could be trading up for Jadeveon Clowney or taking Khalil Mack to boost the pass rush and either of those moves would likely leave Sam Baker to resume his role on Matt Ryan’s blind side. It’s a good thing, then, that Baker feels like he’s on the cusp of medical clearance after last year’s season-ending left knee injury.
“I’m feeling good,” Baker said, via ESPN.com. “In a couple days, I should be cleared. I’ve been running, doing everything, and I should get fully cleared in a couple days. It’s great, especially because we’re getting ready with the offseason stuff, to be able to get out with the offense and to be able to go back to doing plays and stuff like that.”
Baker would be an option on the right side if the Falcons do wind up with a new left tackle in the first round next month, so his return to health is a good development for the team no matter how things turn out on May 8.