Scouting Report: Weaknesses

• Durability red flags after knee ligament injury cost him entire 2024 season and required surgical repair
• Pass protection technique needs significant work - struggles with timing and hand placement against edge rushers
• Can be too upright through contact, making him vulnerable to strip attempts and big collision injuries
• Lacks elite burst and explosion out of cuts, limiting his ability to create big plays in tight spaces
• Small sample size with only 12 games of significant college production raises questions about sustained excellence

Scouting Report: Summary

Baxter's workhorse frame and between-the-tackles running style align well with teams seeking a complementary power runner who can handle short-yardage situations and goal-line carries. His ability to absorb contact while maintaining forward progress makes him particularly valuable in situations where defenses know the run is coming, yet his timed speed provides enough burst to threaten the second level when blocking schemes create opportunities.

The knee injury that cost him the entire 2024 season cannot be overlooked when projecting his professional ceiling. While recent reports indicate full medical clearance, the 2025 campaign becomes critical for evaluating whether his pre-injury speed and cutting ability remain intact. Teams will scrutinize his movement patterns closely, particularly his plant-and-cut explosiveness that was already an area needing improvement before the injury. His pass protection deficiencies represent another developmental hurdle that could limit his three-down potential early in his career, though his natural receiving ability provides immediate value on passing downs where protection isn't required.

What makes Baxter intriguing despite these concerns is his instinctive feel for running lanes and quick processing speed, which showed up consistently during his freshman campaign when he rarely hesitated hitting gaps or identifying cutback opportunities. His academic achievements and leadership qualities suggest the mental makeup to handle the complexities of NFL offensive systems, while his grinding style indicates he won't be overwhelmed by the physical demands at the next level. The challenge for evaluators lies in weighing his clear physical gifts against a limited body of work and injury concerns that could derail his trajectory. A productive, healthy 2025 season would likely elevate him into day-two consideration, while any setbacks or regression could push him toward the middle rounds where teams might view him as a developmental project with special teams value.