Budda Baker, the Arizona Cardinals’ safety, made a significant impact at the NFL Combine with his 40-yard dash performance.
Clocking in at 4.45 seconds, this impressive time highlighted his speed and agility, boosting his draft prospects and cementing his reputation as an elite defensive back.
This performance not only underscored his athleticism but also demonstrated his potential to excel in the NFL, making him a standout player in the league. His swift 40-yard dash showcased his ability to rapidly close distances on the field, essential for a safety.
This exemplary performance has continued to resonate throughout his NFL career, reflecting his continued excellence and steadfast prowess on the gridiron.
Budda Baker’s speed is a critical asset for the Arizona Cardinals, allowing him to effectively cover wide receivers and make crucial tackles. His 40-time remains a benchmark for aspiring safeties in the league.
Budda Baker: An Overview
Budda Baker’s 40-yard dash time has significantly impacted his reputation and career as an elite NFL safety for the Arizona Cardinals.
Early Life and College Career
Budda Baker, born in Bellevue, Washington, showcased exceptional speed and agility in high school, leading him to play college football at the University of Washington. During his time there, he earned unanimous All-America honors and was a key defensive player.
At the NFL Combine, Baker clocked an impressive 4.45 seconds in the 40-yard dash, solidifying his reputation as a fast and agile safety and a top NFL Draft prospect.
NFL Draft and Combine Performance
Budda Baker participated in the 2017 NFL Combine. Here, his 40-yard dash time became a focal point for scouts and analysts. Baker clocked in at 4.45 seconds, showcasing his speed and agility. This performance was critical in raising his draft stock.
The Arizona Cardinals selected him in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Since then, Baker’s speed has made him a defensive cornerstone for the team, validating the importance of his 40 time in determining his career trajectory.
The 40-Yard Dash
Budda Baker’s 40-yard dash time proved essential in capturing the attention of NFL scouts. His performance in this event at the NFL Combine directly impacted his draft position and subsequent success as a defensive player for the Arizona Cardinals.
What is the 40-Yard Dash?
The 40-yard dash measures a player’s speed and acceleration and is a standard test at the NFL Combine. Players sprint 40 yards as fast as possible while scouts and coaches evaluate their times, which is crucial for assessing game potential.
Buddha Baker showcased his exceptional agility and speed with an impressive 4.45 seconds in his 40-yard dash, underscoring his athleticism and solidifying his status as a top safety prospect.
Budda Baker’s 40 Time Details
Baker clocked an impressive 4.45 seconds in the 40-yard dash. This time grabbed the attention of many scouts given his position as a safety. His speed demonstrated his potential to cover ground quickly, contributing to his high evaluation in the draft.
This performance was a key factor in the Arizona Cardinals selecting him in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Baker’s speed has since been a critical asset in his role on the team, proving the value of his combine performance.
Athletic Comparisons
Examining Budda Baker’s speed offers insight into his competitive edge.
Compared to Other Safeties
Many safeties clock slower times in the 40-yard dash. For instance, Jamal Adams ran a 4.56. This makes Baker’s 4.45 time stand out. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, another notable safety, posted a 4.58. So, Baker’s speed isn’t just impressive; it’s elite among his peers.
This quick acceleration enhances his coverage abilities and allows him to close gaps on opposing receivers swiftly. Such speed is invaluable in a safety, providing his team an edge in defensive plays.
Overall Athleticism and Metrics
Baker excels in other areas too. His vertical jump of 32.5 inches shows his leaping ability. Broad jumps measure explosiveness and he reached 117 inches. His agility scores, like a 6.76-second three-cone drill, demonstrate his quick directional changes.
Combining these metrics, Baker proves he’s not only fast but also an exceptional overall athlete. His impressive 40-yard dash time of 4.45 seconds further solidifies his athletic prowess, highlighting his speed and acceleration.
This combination of skills makes him a versatile and valuable player on the field.
Performance in the NFL
Budda Baker has consistently shown his elite speed and agility in the NFL since joining the Arizona Cardinals. His impact on the field goes beyond just his 40-yard dash time.
NFL Career Highlights
Budda Baker earned recognition quickly in his NFL career. In 2017, his rookie year, he secured a place on the PFWA All-Rookie Team. The following year, Baker’s stellar play earned him his first Pro Bowl selection.
Over the years, he’s accumulated four Pro Bowl nods and two First-team All-Pro selections, establishing himself as one of the premier safeties in the league. His knack for making big plays includes memorable moments, like his chase-down tackle of DK Metcalf in 2020.
Season Stats and Analysis
Baker’s stats reflect his versatility and consistency. In his rookie season (2017), he recorded 74 combined tackles, 7 passes deflected, and 1 forced fumble. Over the 2019 season, his combined tackles soared to 147, leading all NFL safeties.
The 2020 season saw him notching 118 tackles, 2 sacks, and an interception. By 2021, Baker continued to shine with 98 tackles and 3 interceptions.
These numbers highlight his ability to contribute in various defensive schemes and his status as a cornerstone of the Cardinals’ defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Budda Baker’s height and weight?
Budda Baker is 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs around 195 pounds.
How fast was DK Metcalf running to catch Budda Baker?
DK Metcalf reached a top speed of 22.64 mph when he chased down Budda Baker, translating to approximately 11 yards per second.
How many Pro Bowl selections does Budda Baker have?
As of now, Budda Baker has been selected to the Pro Bowl four times.
How many First-team All-Pro selections does Budda Baker have?
Budda Baker has earned two First-team All-Pro selections in his NFL career.
What was Budda Baker’s 40-yard dash time?
Budda Baker ran the 40-yard dash in 4.45 seconds at the 2017 NFL Combine.
Conclusion
Budda Baker’s 4.45-second 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine was a pivotal moment that showcased his elite speed and played a significant role in his high draft selection by the Arizona Cardinals.
His remarkable athleticism extends beyond just his speed, making him a versatile and reliable asset in various defensive schemes. Since joining the NFL, Baker’s performance has earned him multiple accolades, solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s premier safeties.
His impactful plays and consistent stats make him an indispensable cornerstone of the Cardinals’ defense. Budda Baker’s influence on the field is reflected not only in his Pro Bowl appearances but also in his leadership and ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
As he continues to evolve, his speed remains a critical component of his all-around skill set, cementing his status as a game-changer in the league.
Ashley Hopkinson