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NFL Draft 2017: Top 5 draft prospects from Washington Football

By Jerran Anderson

Oct 8, 2016; Eugene, OR, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross (1) catches a touchdown pass during the second quarter in a game against the University of Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; Eugene, OR, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross (1) catches a touchdown pass during the second quarter in a game against the University of Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 24, 2016; Tucson, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Budda Baker (32) warms up before the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Tucson, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Budda Baker (32) warms up before the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington Huskies safety Budda Baker is another early entry in this year’s NFL Draft and maybe the best safety in the draft class.

Baker is a bit undersized for an NFL safety, but he makes up for it with his numbers. He racked up 70 total tackles (48 solo, 22 assisted), 9.5 tackles for loss, 5 pass breakups, 3.0 sacks, 2 interceptions and a forced fumble in 2016.

Baker put up 90 solo and 39 assisted tackles and 13 pass breakups in the past two seasons for the Huskies’ defense as well. 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 on the Washington defense. They allowed just 182.9 passing yards per game on defense, first in the conference.

Baker showed despite his small stature, he’s got the speed with a 4.45 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, fourth-best among safeties. Current draft projections have Baker going in the second round.

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