Why the Arizona Cardinals will love Washington Huskies Safety Budda Baker
By Bret Stuter
The NFL just invited Washington Huskies Budda Baker to their ranks. Here’s why the Arizona Cardinals will love him at safety
The University of Washington Huskies are an NFL player assembly line under head coach Chris Petersen. The team simply does not look to the stars: either in recruits or in production on the field. After all, the main player duty that Coach Petersen insists upon is contribution.
So what does that mean for the Arizona Cardinals and their new safety Budda Baker? Plenty.
Budda Baker was one of the three elite defensive backs entering the 2017 NFL Draft. But he was as productive and steadfast at safety as Kevin King and Sidney Jones were at cornerback. In fact, his performance at the 2017 NFL Combine caught the eye of NFL great Earl Thomas.
What the Arizona Cardinals will love about Budda Baker
The Washington Huskies teach their defensive backs all football fundamentals. But Budda Baker is the heart of a linebacker in the skillset of a defensive back. In fact, that mindset is exactly what the team needs.
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Baker joins an already esteemed defensive backfield which includes Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu in what can now only be described as a very versatile defense.
With Budda Baker, none of the players on the Cardinals' defense, save for maybe Patrick Peterson, have an actual position. It's wonderful.
— Robert Mays (@robertmays) April 28, 2017
He’s Natural Fit
Baker is a natural with this defense. He clobbers people with huge hits. His value to the Cardinals is no secret. The team moved up to get him early in the second round. And for good reason. Not only does he add sound pass coverage, but he gives the Cardinals defense the ability to blitz from virtually any spot now.
His production on defense was great. He 71 tackles with 10 tackles for a loss, and pitched in two interceptions. And he is a football purist. He will contribute in any way he can to win a game.
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What the Arizona Cardinals will need to work on with Budda Baker
No NFL rookie is foolproof. And Baker is no exception to the rule. On one hand, Baker is a specialist. In fact, he played centerfield for the Huskies and played very well. On the other hand, Baker risks being overmatched if he is called into coverage of a big NFL tight end.
He loved the big pop, but that can backfire if he runs into a bigger ball carrier. Unfortunately, he will need help tackling bigger running backs or tight ends. He will also need to improve his tackling form.
Why this pick is such a good fit
In the end, this is an excellent fit. Baker is hellish good at his role, and he will quickly earn the trust and respect of his teammates. At only 5-foot-10 and 195 pounds, some had discounted his NFL impact. He is all business, and won’t need to be prompted to make plays. He can contribute in pass coverage, blitzing, and run defense. He’s simply that versatile.
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The Cardinals, instead, saw his versatility. That versatility gives their defense incredible array of options. In the end, the Arizona Cardinals are a better team, a much better team, after this pick.