Budda Baker should have an early impact according to ESPN

The Arizona Cardinals were able to add some early defensive talent in the 2017 NFL Draft.

With that, they likely are going to see some early production from their first and second round pick.

Mel Kiper of ESPN thinks that they will get quite a bit out of Budda Baker, as he was one of the day two picks who will have the most impact early.

Budda Baker, S, Arizona Cardinals

Pick: No. 36 (Second round)

Arizona lost both of its starting safeties in free agency and replaced them only with veteran Antoine Bethea. Even if Tyrann Mathieu is expected to play more free safety in 2017, there are openings for Baker. But I also think he could play slot corner for the Cardinals, who didn't get much competent cornerback play last year outside of Patrick Peterson. Marcus Cooper was OK and is now in Chicago, and rookie Brandon Williams and veteran Justin Bethel struggled.

As I wrote in my draft grades, the comparison I made for the 5-10 Baker before the draft was to Mathieu. Now the Cardinals have two similar tenacious defenders who can play safety and corner.

I think Baker is going to be one of the most impactful rookies of the Steve Keim and Bruce Arians era.

He has the ability to flop around the secondary and play cornerback or safety.

Playing in a single high isn’t his forte, but he can do it if need be.

His versatility and play making is going to be key for the Arizona Cardinals.