Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker has been one of the team’s best draft picks in the last many years. They moved up in the second round to select him in 2017.
He was named of the top 50 draft steals of the last decade by ESPN’s Matt Miller and Jordan Reid.
He comes in at No. 45.
Baker wasn’t selected earlier in the 2017 draft because teams were concerned he lacked the size (5-10, 195 pounds) to be a front-line starter or play every down as a safety. Yet he has helped usher in the nickelback era in the NFL with his versatility and expert playmaking skills. Baker is a three-time All-Pro and a five-time Pro Bowler. — Miller
Baker is undoubtedly one of the Cardinals’ best draft picks ever. Getting him in the second round, even having to trade up to get him, has been a steal.
He is the heart and soul of the Cardinals’ defense. He is a fan favorite and has the respect of his peers and coaches.
Arizona’s previous general manager Steve Keim had a lot of misses in the last decade in the draft. Baker is not one of them.
It’s good to see at least one current Cardinal on this list.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.
