Washington Redskins: 5 First-Round Options To Watch At 2017 NFL Combine
5. Budda Baker, FS – Washington
The Redskins have needed help at free safety since the death of Sean Taylor in 2007. Unfortunately, Washington has continued to sign over-the-hill veterans or transform cornerbacks into safeties in hopes of receiving adequate production from the position. It hasn’t worked.
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Budda Baker, a 5-10, 190-pound safety from Washington, could be the perfect choice for McCloughan. Remember, McCloughan was in Seattle when the Seahawks chose All-Pro free safety Earl Thomas back in 2010.
While Baker isn’t Thomas, he is a true free safety in a draft that has some good options at the position. Jamal Adams and Malik Hooker are likely top-10 selections, meaning Baker should be available for Washington at No. 17.
Baker is a true center-fielder that brings physicality to the position, too. While he may be considered a bit small for the safety position at the NFL level, he doesn’t play like it. Baker is a physical player that will be active in the run game. He’s a smart player who plays with instincts and is a good blitzer. He can line up in the slot and cover receivers when needed. Even still his measurements at the Combine, in addition to his lateral quickness times, will be eyed by Washington and other potential suitors.
The safety helped change the Washington program upon his arrival on campus, according to co-defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake, per Chantel Jennings of ESPN.com:
"It was the No. 1 thing we had to get done when we first arrived here. All you had to do was watch the tape — he was a once-in-a-decade type of a player."
Now, he could change another Washington’s fortunes. Subsequently, Baker would be an excellent choice.