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Arizona Cardinals: Ranking every Steve Keim draft pick

By Avery Duncan

GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 16: (L-R) Team president Michael Bidwill, assistant head coach for offense Tom Moore and general manager Steve Keim of the Arizona Cardinals walk off the field following the NFL game against the Detroit Lions at the University of Phoenix Stadium on November 16, 2014 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Lions 14-6. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 16: (L-R) Team president Michael Bidwill, assistant head coach for offense Tom Moore and general manager Steve Keim of the Arizona Cardinals walk off the field following the NFL game against the Detroit Lions at the University of Phoenix Stadium on November 16, 2014 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Lions 14-6. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 23: Defensive back Budda Baker #36 of the Arizona Cardinals warms up for the game against the Chicago Bears at State Farm Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Chicago Bears won 16-14. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 23: Defensive back Budda Baker #36 of the Arizona Cardinals warms up for the game against the Chicago Bears at State Farm Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Chicago Bears won 16-14. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /

3. Budda Baker

2017 – 2nd round, pick 36

After just two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, Budda Baker has already received both All-Pro and Pro-Bowl nods, albeit the awards were for special teams, but they are significant.

One of the primary reasons Steve Keim moved on from Tyrann Mathieu was due to Budda Baker’s ascension. As one of the highest rated safeties coming out of the 2017 draft class, the former Washington Husky has done nothing but live up to the hype.

Baker has gone from standout special teamer to standout nickel safety, to now starting safety for the 2019 season. And it’s no fluke as to why he’s ascended so quickly. The 5-10, 195-pound defender is versatile, rangy, and is one of the best tacklers in recent Arizona Cardinals memory.

While the third place rank may be high for a safety that hasn’t started a full season, this ranking, like others is dependent on the future. Many believe that Baker is not only is a key cog in the Arizona Cardinals defense but is also a building block for the future. Whether or not that comes to fruition is anyone’s best guess, but I’d be willing to bet that he is.

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