The Ian Furness Show

The Ian Furness Show

THE IAN FURNESS SHOW PRESENTED BY SNOQUALMIE CASINO, SEATTLE’S CLOSET SPORTSBOOK

 

Rob Rang on Washington Safety Budda Baker

In the next part of Rob Rang's series previewing players the Seahawks could take in the 2017 NFL Draft, Rang focuses on Washington safety Budda Baker. Listen to his breakdown of Baker below plus check out a few highlights from the Dawgs' star.

At the NFL Combine, Baker measured 5'10 and 195 lbs while running a 4.45 second 40-yard-dash and posting 15 reps in the Bench Press, a 32.5 inch vert jump, 115 inch broad jump, 6.76 second three-cone-drill, and 4.08 20-yard-shuttle.

From NFL.com's player profile...

"STRENGTHS Tremendously explosive and passionate in his play. Former high school track sprinter with good play speed. Screams off the edge as a blitzer. Always bouncing on balls of his feet just waiting to race to the action on a dead sprint. Plays with smooth backpedal and diagonal shuffle. Has a shiftiness that allows him to mirror change of direction in space. Plus instincts from any coverage areas. Allows quarterback's eyes and pattern recognition to carry him around the field. Not easily pulled from coverage responsibilities by bait routes around him. Has the click and close ability of a cornerback in coverage. Ball skills are solid. Plays with exceptional aggression. Accelerates through receivers to jar the pass loose. Tackle finisher who races to the throw to end plays at the catch point. Scouts use terms like "winner" and "top notch person" to describe him.

WEAKNESSES Undersized safety in a smaller frame. Could struggle to carry 200 pounds as a pro. Gets big-boyed by tight ends from the slot. Lack of size may limit how NFL teams can use him. Aggressive shoulder rolls into running backs could cause future health issues. Force as a tackler just average against big running backs. Forced into grab and drag scenarios to get running backs down at times. Small hesitation to accelerate when forced to open and sprint down the field. Can be too overzealous when stepping downhill to tackle. May need to play with a little more discipline and control as an NFL tackler.

DRAFT PROJECTION Round 2

SOURCES TELL US "I would leave him as a centerfielder and then roll him down over the slot if you needed too. He's too small to cover tight ends, but he's got great instincts in coverage which is why he should shine as a single-high." - NFC area scout

NFL COMPARISON Bob Sanders"


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