NFL Draft: Re-drafting every first-round pick from 2017 NFL Draft

NFL Draft: Re-drafting every first-round pick from 2017 NFL Draft: 7, FS Budda Baker

Originally selected 36th overall (+29)

The Los Angeles Chargers seem to always go for the best offensive weapon in the draft when they’re on the clock. But, with plenty of big names on that side of the ball already on their roster, it’s about time they help out the defense.

With his ability to dominate from the safety position, safety Budda Baker is the right pick here. Despite starting in less than half of the games in his Rookie year, the Safety out of the University of Washington was selected to both the Pro Bowl and All-Pro teams. All he’s done since then is get better and better. Somehow, after recording more tackles, more sacks and more tackles for loss than the previous year, Baker was left off the Pro Bowl and All-Pro roster in 2018.

Instead of complaining, he simply put together back-to-back seasons of strong play. Baker piled up 265 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and two interceptions over those past two seasons. It comes as no surprise that he was back on the Pro Bowl roster and named an All-Pro.

Offense for the Chargers is what they’ve forged their identity on. Quarterback Philip Rivers was still a member of the squad and was looking to make one more run. While nabbing wide receiver Mike Williams was a solid move, they needed a player to shore up the defense. Budda Baker is the man they should’ve called up the first time around.