1. Budda Baker, DB, Washington
Budda Baker has always been a prospect who has made sense for the Chicago Bears in the second round. Baker is a fast and athletic safety prospect who has big-time upside at the next level. With elite coverage skills, Baker has an opportunity to be a fantastic deep coverage safety at the next level.
On top of being a great coverage safety, Baker played a lot of slot corner at Washington. He showed the quickness and overall man-to-man coverage skills needed to make an impact at the position. Baker is also effective and sneaky when asked to blitz from his slot position.
A versatile playmaker who could fill a variety of roles, Baker would certainly make sense for the Bears. He would be a massive upgrade over Adrian Amos as the coverage safety and could still play some slot corner to keep Amos in the lineup at times.
Next: 2017 NFL Draft: First Round Draft Grades
We talked about cornerback being a major need for the Bears, but safety is not far behind. The Bears could not find a reliable safety duo last season. While the addition of free agent Quintin Demps will help, the Bears would be wise to look for a young, long-term option at the position who could grow into a big-time contributor.
Budda Baker needs to be high on the Bears’ list as we enter day two of the 2017 NFL Draft.