Skip to content

Cardinals trade up to select S Budda Baker

Icon Sportswire / Getty

The Arizona Cardinals have selected safety Budda Baker out of Washington with the 36th pick of the 2017 NFL Draft after trading with the Chicago Bears.

The Cardinals traded their second-, fourth-, and sixth-round picks to the Bears for the 36th overall selection.

Baker is a dynamic playmaker who can line up at safety and as a slot cornerback - much like Cardinals defensive back Tyrann Mathieu. The Washington product gives Arizona even more versatility in their secondary and fills a need as former Cardinals safeties Tony Jefferson and D.J. Swearinger left in free agency.

Baker's selection follows a similar trend of taking versatile defensive players, like Cardinals' first-round pick hybrid linebacker Haason Reddick.

Budda Baker Bio

Position: S
School: Washington
College Experience: Junior
Height: 5-10
Weight: 195 lbs.

Strengths

  • Explosive athlete that flies to the football with solid skills on the ball.
  • Above-average blitzer from the safety position.
  • Phenomenal in coverage; finishes hits on receiver while making play on the ball.
  • High potential as a "center-fielder" that could dominate offenses from his position.

Weaknesses

  • Size could be a factor at the next level when he matches up against bigger players in man coverage. (Pro Football Focus)
  • Can struggle with tackling against larger running backs.
  • Health and longevity could be an issue in the NFL.

Combine Results

Event Result
40-yd Dash 4.45 sec
Bench Press 15 reps
Vertical Jump 32.5 inches
Broad Jump 115 inches
3-Cone Drill 6.76 sec
20-yd Shuttle 4.08 sec

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox