Arizona Cardinals 2017 Draft Class revisited
By Scott Allen
2017 defensive picks
The defensive picks in this draft class seem to have the biggest star potential. The first round pick Haason Reddick, a linebacker out of Temple, has been up and down since being drafted.
Reddick seemed to have a slow start as a rookie in 2017. Early on in 2018 he would disappear but statistically was able to rebound to show he did alright last season.
He had five passes defensed in 12 starts. He had four sacks, a total of six quarterback hits he was credited for.
Rudy Ford, a safety out of Auburn still seems to be treading lightly with a possible roster spot in 2018. There is definitely potential still.
He played in 13 games in 2018, starting just one. He had just nine tackles last season as a backup. The Cardinals could end up going in a different direction by the time camp ends so this is a very important upcoming offseason for Ford.
Then the star of the group, safety Budda Baker. He by far was the best pick of this class. He started 13 games in 2018 and had 102 tackles overall.
He had one pass defensed, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. One of those recoveries resulted in a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings.
Baker not only plays well on offense but is also a very good special teams player, which got him to the Pro Bowl in his rookie season.. He was only one of four rookies to make the 2017 Pro Bowl. Baker should be around quite awhile.