Number 2 in the top 10 Arizona Cardinals draft picks from the last decade: Budda Baker, S, Washington
Budda Baker comes in at #2 in this countdown. The reason he is ahead of Mathieu is that Baker is still with the team and had a career year last year. The 36th overall selection in the 2017 draft has made 3 Pro Bowl rosters in four years, including a First-team All-Pro selection for his valiant work this year. Baker got the first interception of his career in the Monday night massacre of the Dallas Cowboys and followed it up with a near-coast-to-coast pick 6 that prevented the Seahawks from scoring.
That overtime game against Seattle was arguably the game of the year until the Hail Murray happened. I’m so happy the Cardinals won this game, otherwise that D.K. Metcalf chase-down would’ve been replayed forever (also a shout-out to Tyler Lockett for that penalty at the end). Getting back to Baker, he has been a leader from the safety position that can do it all and not just rush from 15 yards away, like one other NFC West safety.
Maybe more INT’s are in Baker’s future this year with a revamped defense and pass rush.