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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Defense rules the day

By Brad Weiss

Oct 15, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive tackle Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates after a tackle in the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins in a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive tackle Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates after a tackle in the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins in a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 24, 2016; Tucson, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Budda Baker (32) celebrates after a Arizona Wildcats fumble during the fourth quarter at Arizona Stadium. Washington won 35-28 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Tucson, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Budda Baker (32) celebrates after a Arizona Wildcats fumble during the fourth quarter at Arizona Stadium. Washington won 35-28 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /
19

Budda Baker

S, Washington

For the past few months, we have had Jabrill Peppers going to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but teams may shy away from him after a diluted urine sample. While Peppers may certainly go in the first round, we like the Bucs to go after Budda Baker, who has been an absolute stud for the Washington Huskies. Tampa Bay needs help at safety, and Baker’s blend of speed and his ability to punish receivers may be too good to pass up.

Baker played in the best secondary in the Pac-12 with the Huskies, as he, Sidney Jones, and Kevin King could have all be first round picks in this draft class. Jones blew up his knee at the Pro Day, and many expect him to fall past the second round. Baker is right up there with Malik Hooker and Jamal Adams in terms of his football smarts, and may wind up being a steal at No. 19.

Tampa Bay has a really good thing going, and they could be a playoff team in 2017. The NFC South is going to be an incredible race to the finish this season, and adding a safety like Baker will help against the likes of Matt Ryan, Cam Newton, and Drew Brees in the division. There is no reason the Bucs cannot contend in the NFC this season, and a bolster defense may be just what they need to get to the next level.

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