Budda Baker
S, Washington · 2017 NFL Draft, Round 2, pick #36 (ARI)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: age, availability. Details below.
- Age
21 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.6% of the time (663 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 137 of ~149 possible regular-season games from 2017 through 2025 (~92%). Plus 7 games so far in 2026.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #39 (#5 at his position), close to where he went (#36). The whole market, not just his team, missed on him.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Washington: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.45 40-yard dash at 195 lbs: faster than 65% of DBs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (2,288 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
S (DB group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.7% of the time (1,116 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numberslive
| Games | 144 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 8 |
| Pro Bowls | 8 |
| First-team All-Pro | 2 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 63 |
| 2026 in-season credit (est.) | 3.1 |
| Redraft value (wAV + 2026) | 66.1 |
| Defense | 702 tackles, 13.5 sacks, 9 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2026 |
Career wAV via nflverse draft_picks + 2026 in-season credit from snap counts through Week 7.
The 2017 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2017 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Age 21 or younger | 56.6% n=663 | |
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Middle 50% | 50.5% n=2,288 | |
| Position DB | 50.7% n=1,116 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 5' 10", 195 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.45 s |
| Bench press | 15 reps |
| Vertical | 32.5" |
| Broad jump | 115" |
| 3-cone | 6.76 s |
| Shuttle | 4.08 s |
| Age at draft | 21 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #39 overall (#5 S) |
Picked around him 2017 redraft
| 33 | Kevin King | redraft #103 |
| 34 | Cam Robinson | redraft #34 |
| 35 | Malik McDowell | redraft #152 |
| 37 | Zay Jones | redraft #75 |
| 38 | Forrest Lamp | redraft #135 |
| 39 | Marcus Maye | redraft #61 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.