In a recent series of surveys, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler is attempting to determine who people around the league think are the best at what they do. Players, coaches, scouts, and executives were asked to rank their top 10 players by position. Players like TJ Watt, Jalen Ramsey, and Aaron Donald obviously led their respective positions. While the Cardinals were not well represented at most positions, they did produce one top 5 player on defense.
Cardinals Star Budda Baker is a top 5 Safety in the NFL
According to the survey, a panel of his peers have selected star Cardinals safety Budda Baker as the 5th best safety in the NFL. Baker, who is entering the second year of a four year extension, has quietly earned the respect of the league. In his 5 year career, Baker has been to 4 Pro Bowls, as well as 3 All-Pro teams. Baker has primarily earned his reputation by being a hard hitter in the run game. He even led the league in solo tackles in 2020 with 104. However, he has started to improve his ability to play centerfield in recent years as well. After having zero interceptions through his first 3 seasons, Baker has picked 5 passes off over his last two seasons to go along with 13 pass deflections. He is certainly paid like a top safety, and his production absolutely matches.
Baker joins some impressive company as one of the best at his position. Coming in at #4 is Derwin James, the Chargers versatile and electric (no pun intended) ball hawk. Additionally, Baker ranks just above both Jessie Bates III and Harrison Smith, who some may consider both the future of and the gold standard for the safety position, respectively. Baker even earned at least one first place vote. This means at least one voter views Baker as being better than the likes of Justin Simmons and Minkah Fitzpatrick. This level of respect is very difficult to earn, and Cardinals fans should be very proud of their star. The former Washington Husky is only 26 years old, so he’ll be producing in the desert for the foreseeable future.