After the Arizona Cardinals selected former Washington Huskies star safety Budda Baker in the second round of the 2017 NFL draft, it didn’t take long for the All-American to prove that he has what it takes to develop into a star at the NFL level.
Over his eight-year career, Baker has compiled 901 tackles, 47 for loss, 9.5 sacks, 39 pass breakups, 7 interceptions, 7 forced fumbles, and 5 fumble recoveries on his way to seven Pro Bowl appearances and four All-Pro honors, including a pair of First Team All-Pro selections from his rookie season in 2017 and 2020.
Coming off a career-high 164 tackles last season, which was good for No. 2 in the NFL, Baker rocketed up the NFL Top 100, a list voted on by players around the league, after he was ranked at No. 89 ahead of his stellar 2024 campaign, which earned him Second Team All-Pro honors.
“He’s a dog,” Cardinals tight end Trey McBride said in an interview on NFL Network. “He’s a guy who’s the heart and soul of our defense. He just loves being out there; he’s a psycho. He just hits everything.”
“Budda Baker just flies around, man,” San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy added. “You’ve always got to know where he’s at because he’s trying to hunt somebody.”
Baker has been a versatile piece for the various coaching staffs that have come in to coach Arizona during his career, and no matter who’s at the helm, he’s found a way to produce. He’s surpassed 100 tackles in five of his eight seasons because he thrives in the box as a run defender.
“I ain’t never seen nobody play the box like him,” Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch said. “You know, there’s a reason why he always has like 100-plus tackles.”