[7][8] After the 1976 season, he was invited to play in the Senior Bowl college all-star game.

[9] Baumhower was drafted by the Dolphins with the 40th overall pick (second round) in the 1977 NFL draft, behind the first round pick, another defensive lineman from the Southeastern Conference, A. J. Duhe of LSU; earning a spot on the 1977 All-Rookie team.

Baumhower was flanked on the line by ends Doug Betters and Kim Bokamper, while other stars of the unit included outside linebacker Bob Brudzinski and defensive backs Lyle Blackwood and Glenn Blackwood.

The unit was ranked first in the NFL in total defense in 1982, when Miami reached Super Bowl XVII.

The 1983 season may have been Baumhower's best as he was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year (Pro Football Weekly), first-team All-Pro (Associated Press), first-team All-AFC (United Press International) and a starter in the Pro Bowl game.