While the Arizona Cardinals had a defensive unit in 2019 that was one of the worst in the league, there were some individual bright spots. Linebacker Jordan Hicks was one of the league’s most productive players, while linebacker Chandler Jones and safety Budda Baker were both named to the Pro Bowl.
Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph believes there is even more room for growth for Baker.
“I thought Budda Baker had a hell of a year last year,” he said in a video conference recently to reporters. “Obviously, he made the Pro Bowl. He made the Pro Bowl without making one interception, so I think he has room to grow as a high safety and as a quarters guy.”
Baker still has not had a regular-season interception in his career. He had one in the Pro Bowl game itself and also has picked off a pass in the preseason.
He is a heavy hitter in the run game and productive around the line of scrimmage. He also makes plays on balls, having broken up 14 passes in his career. He just hasn’t intercepted a pass.
Adding that element to his game will make him a complete safety and one that will command a lot of money as a free agent next offseason.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.
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