2017 NFL Draft Kansas City Chiefs Scouting Report: Budda Baker
By Ben Almquist
The Kansas City Chiefs locked up the safety position by re-signing Eric Berry and Daniel Sorensen, but Budda Baker may be good enough to take anyways.
Coming into this offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs had some big question marks about the future of the safety position. However, new contracts for Eric Berry and Daniel Sorensen has largely taken safety off of most Chiefs draft boards. However, Budda Baker may be a good enough player for KC to take anyways.
The Chiefs have utilized a multiple safety look over the past few years. Fans became appreciative of the three safety look in Kansas City thanks to the play of Husain Abdullah. Daniel Sorensen picked up that torch last year.
Kansas City also has second year safety Eric Murray on the roster. As a former corner, it is believed that he will be able to provide extra coverage ability to the deep secondary. All in all, it would appear that the Chiefs have their safety position completely locked up.
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However, with the evolving offenses of the NFL, teams are constantly looking for a new way to get a leg up on defense. Adding playmakers in the secondary that can fill multiple roles is a popular method of doing that.
FS, Nickel, SS and Corner 😮
— Budda Baker (@Buddabaker3) April 11, 2017
Budda Baker – S – Washington
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Simply put, Budda Baker is a phenomenal athlete and football player. He has been a key member of the Washington football program since his freshman year. Baker has earned all conference accolades in all three years playing at the NCAA level. There are very few people in this draft that can be called better football players.
Budda Baker has top end speed and athleticism to cover receivers on both the inside and outside. Smooth runner who is able to change his direction without breaking stride. Baker has excellent ball skills and shows a knack for completing the play. Solid run defender who shows better tackling skills than most secondary players.
The negatives on Budda Baker stem from his lack of size. Can get swallowed up by tight ends coming to the second level to block. Doesn’t have the frame to add much weight. Many analysts are concerned about Baker’s ability to play on the inside.
The Kansas City Chiefs don’t have any need for another safety in this draft. However, a player like Budda Baker can be utilized in a number of ways. That versatility could appeal to the Chiefs if they believe there is a way to get him on the field consistently.
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The Kansas City Chiefs are in a good position to draft purely based on talent. If they go that route, then there isn’t any player that won’t be up for consideration. Adding a player who can fill multiple roles certainly fits what the Chiefs have done under John Dorsey and Andy Reid.