NFL Draft 2017: A Look at the Best Pick from Each Round
Second Round
Budda Baker, Safety, Washington
Selected No. 36 Overall (Arizona Cardinals: via Chicago Bears)
There were a few former and potential Pro Bowl-caliber players that came out of the second round of this draft. But the best draft pick in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft was made early when the Arizona Cardinals traded up to take Budda Baker. Over the last couple of seasons, Baker has asserted himself as one of the elite safeties in the NFL. He is a dangerous defensive weapon who is not only great in coverage but Baker also hits like a linebacker. Arizona has taken advantage of Baker’s skillset having him blitz off the edge in obvious passing situations.
During his rookie season, Baker only started seven of the sixteen games he played. He finished the season with 74 combined tackles (58 solo tackles), seven passes defended, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and a sack. But he was considered one of the best special team players during the 2017-18 season, being named First Team All-Pro and a Pro Bowler on the special teams unit.
Baker recorded his first of three straight 100+ tackle seasons during his second year in the league. He started 13 of the 14 games he played that year. Baker had 102 combined tackles (78 solo tackles), two sacks, two fumble recoveries, a forced fumble, and one pass defended. Baker took one of his fumble recoveries down the field for a touchdown.
In his third season in the league, Baker had a career-high 147 combined tackles (104 solo tackles) and started all 16 games for Arizona. He also finished the season with six passes defended, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and a half of a sack. Baker was voted to his second Pro Bowl at the conclusion of the 2019-20 season.
The 2020-21 season was the best of Baker’s career up to this point. In 15 games Baker had 118 combined tackles (90 solo tackles), six passes defended, two interceptions, two sacks, and a forced fumble. He was also robbed of a defensive touchdown by D.K. Metcalf. He somehow caught up with Baker during his return. Baker solidified his status as one of the best safeties in the league that season and was acknowledged as such by being named First Team All-Pro and being voted to the Pro Bowl as a safety at the end of the season.
Now that Patrick Peterson ended his tenure with the Cardinals this past season, Baker became one of the young leaders of this defense and he did not disappoint. Arizona’s defense was a major reason why the Cardinals ended their playoff drought. Baker finished the year with 98 combined tackles (63 solo tackles), seven passes defended, three interceptions, two sacks, and a fumble recovery. Baker was voted to his third Pro Bowl after this past season.
The runner-up for the best draft pick in the second round of the 2017 NFL draft has to be Dalvin Cook. The Minnesota Vikings traded up in the second round to take Cook out of Flordia State to be the replacement for future Hall of Famer Adrian Peterson. Cook had his third straight 1,100+ rushing yard season this past year. He has also been a Pro Bowler the last three seasons.
The reason why Baker gets the nod over Cook was because of the injury issues that almost derailed his career in his first few seasons. Cook has yet to play 16 games in a season during his career. But if he can continue the pace he is currently on for a little longer, he could have a valid case to overtake Baker.
Honorable Mentions: