2017 NFL mock draft: Mel Kiper gives Deshone Kizer, Budda Baker to Chiefs

In the second round, Mel Kiper Jr. continues his mock draft with the selection of Washington safety Budda Baker for the Chiefs. He writes:

"If Baker were bigger, I think he’d be a top-15 pick, but his 5-10 frame will scare off a few teams. He could line up in the slot, play deep safety or help in run support in the box. Wherever he lands in the draft, I expect to see him on my Rookie Big Board throughout the 2017 season."

It’s an interesting pick for the Chiefs considering the talent involved is unquestioned and getting a player of Baker’s talent immediately makes the entire secondary better. He’s loved by everyone and made the Washington secondary into one of the nation’s best, along with Sidney Jones.

That said, the Chiefs have made considerable investments at safety in the last year, going all the way back to special teams ace Eric Murray in the fourth round last year and then the big money extension for Eric Berry earlier this year. Daniel Sorensen was also signed to a new four-year deal and Ron Parker is not only cost-effective even after years on his extension, but the veteran continues to get better each year. In short, it’s hard to tell where exactly Baker would fit or who he would supplant. Likely Sorensen would be on the outs, but would John Dorsey do that to a player who he just extended?

Then again that’s a good problem to have, a team so deep that there’s talent overflowing in the secondary. And given injury rates in the NFL, perhaps a team can never be too prepared for what will happen in the course of a season.