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Budda Baker

Budda Baker Player Profile

Summary

Budda Baker was drafted in the 2nd round (36th overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals out of the University of Washington. ESPN.com In college, he was known for his explosive play and tackling ability. Over his NFL career, Baker has amassed 886 total tackles, 9.5 sacks, and 7 interceptions as of 2025. NFL.com He is a 7× Pro Bowl selection and a multiple-time All-Pro, including first-team honors. In 2024, he recorded a career-high 164 tackles, 2 sacks, and made key impact plays, earning second-team All-Pro honors. SI Known for his elite instincts, speed, and physicality, Baker plays with a high motor and has leadership qualities—he’s served as a captain and is respected for his consistent effort and impact on the field.

Strengths

  • Tackling & Run Support: Baker is a tackling machine. In 2024 he totaled 164 tackles — one of the highest marks in the league. CBS Sports

  • Instinctive Play / Football IQ: Reads offenses well, diagnoses plays quickly, and is rarely out of position. Arizona Cardinals

  • Coverage Versatility: He’s effective in both zone and man coverage, thanks to his speed and instinct. PFF

  • Blitz Ability: He can be brought down into the box as a blitzer and shows good pass-rush potential, contributing sacks in multiple seasons. NFL.com

  • High Motor / Durability: Consistently plays every snap, brings effort on every play, and is a physical presence. Arizona Cardinals

  • Big-Play Impact: With 7 career interceptions and several big hits, he changes the momentum of games. StatMuse

  • Leadership & Character: As a captain and veteran presence, Baker's leadership in the secondary is well-regarded. Arizona Cardinals

  • Elite Run-Defense Grade: According to PFF, his run-defense grade is consistently very strong. PFF

Weaknesses

  • Size / Length Limitations: At 5′10″ and ~195 lbs, he is smaller than many NFL safeties, which can sometimes be exploited in contested catch situations. ESPN.com

  • Aggression Risk: His physical, downhill style occasionally leads to over‑pursuit or biting on play‑action, which can leave big open spaces.

  • Turnover Production: While he is a tackling machine, his interception totals are modest (7 in his career). StatMuse

  • Wear-and-Tear / Injury Risk: Playing with such intensity puts him at risk for cumulative hits; his high usage could affect longevity.

  • Coverage vs Tall/Big WRs or TEs: Because of his size, there may be challenges matching up with big, physical receivers in jump-ball situations.

Fit & Outlook

Budda Baker is a hallmark safety in a defense that wants speed, playmaking, and versatility from its back end. He fits exceptionally well in schemes that allow safeties to be aggressive — coming down to support the run, blitzing, or playing near the line of scrimmage. In modern defenses, he functions as a “box safety” or hybrid linebacker-safety, giving defenses flexibility in sub-packages.

Outlook: Baker’s future remains very bright. He’s already one of the most productive safeties in the league and, if he stays healthy, he has the potential to be a long-term leader and playmaker in the secondary. His high tackle volume and ability to impact both the run and pass phases provide a strong floor, while his speed, instincts, and versatility give him a very high ceiling. As he continues to build on his experience and maintain his physical play, Baker could remain a central piece of his defense for years to come.