The Viking Age
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Vikings Draft 2017: Final mock draft and Top-50 big board

By Jordan Reid

Oct 4, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 19, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Budda Baker (32) warms-up before the start of a game against the Utah State Aggies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Budda Baker (32) warms-up before the start of a game against the Utah State Aggies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /

"With the 48th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings select Budda Baker, defensive back, Washington."

Offensive line is obviously the biggest hole on the Vikings’ roster, but in his pre-draft press conference, Spielman repeatedly said that the team is not going to pigeon hole themselves into drafting for a need because it is an area that’s suffering on the roster. Instead they will look for players that can improve the team overall.

The Vikings secondary is one of the biggest bright spots on the roster even with the departure of prized nickel corner Captain Munnerlyn to the Carolina Panthers. But having to face Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford twice a year, defensive back is a position that you can never be too deep at.

Former Washington safety Budda Baker is a jack of all trades, who can fill multiple roles. He’s able to play nickel corner and strong safety. He is a player that always has a nose for the ball no matter where he is. His instincts and effort is what sets him apart from many prospects in this class.

What you get with Baker is someone who is a bit undersized, but that doesn’t show up in his playing style. He has repeatedly been compared to Arizona Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu, and that is evident as he is a player that can play all over the field with an endless aggressive approach.

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