NFL coaches ask the darndest questions to draft prospects.
Ohio State linebacker Jerome Baker recently revealed the strangest question he fielded during the lead-up to the 2018 NFL Draft. Baker declined to name the coach, who asked the prospect what he would do if the coach punched him in the face “right here.”
Here’s how Baker responded, via USA TODAY:
“Coach, no disrespect but if you punch me in the face, we’re gonna fight right here.”
“That was just my natural response,” Baker added. “I guess that’s what he wanted to hear, because he said, ‘Good.’ It was definitely a fun interview.”
Baker later learned his answer impressed the coach.
“I crossed paths with him a little later in the day and I asked him why he asked me that,” Baker said. “He said most guys freeze up or say they wouldn’t do anything when he asks them that. He said, ‘I don’t know about you, but if somebody were to randomly punch me in the face right now, I wouldn’t just stand there. I’d fight back.’ I guess he liked my response (laughs).”
Baker is expected to be a second- or third-round draft pick in the draft, which will run between April 26 and April 28. His speed and versatility impressed coaches and scouts, but others have reservations about his size.
Perhaps that’s why that NFL coach wanted to measure the fight inside the player.
