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NFL Draft 2017: Ranking the top 10 defensive backs

By Jerran Anderson

Nov 12, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) carries the ball as Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Desmond King (14) defends during the first half at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) carries the ball as Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Desmond King (14) defends during the first half at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 19, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Budda Baker (32) sacks Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Manny Wilkins (5) during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Budda Baker (32) sacks Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Manny Wilkins (5) during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /

Safety Budda Baker only got better by the year while with the Washington Huskies. He ended putting his name in this year’s NFL Draft early, and with good reason.

Baker put up 80 total tackles (58 solo, 22 assisted), 6 pass breakups, 2.0 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles, a sack and an interception in his freshman season. In his sophomore season, he put up 49 total tackles, 2 interceptions and seven pass breakups.

Baker’s junior season was a breakout one for him. In 2016, Baker had 70 total tackles (48 solo, 22 assisted), 9.5 tackles for loss, 5 pass breakups, 3.0 sacks, 2 interceptions and a forced fumble.

He put his hard-hitting ability on full display this past season leading the Huskies in total tackles and tackles for loss on his way to first-team All-Pac 12 honors.

Baker enters the NFL Draft a bit undersized at safety but his 4.45 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine should make up for that. Current draft projections have Baker going late in the first round to early in the second round.

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