Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker landing on the NFL Top 100 list isn’t new.
Since 2020, Baker has cracked the player-led ranking six times. But for just the second instance in his career, the safety again resides among the top 35 players.
On Thursday, Baker came in at No. 34 on this year’s list, a major jump from his spot at No. 89 in 2024. Only one other time has Baker seen a better ranking (No. 19 in 2021).
NFL Top 100 Players of 2025:@AZCardinals S Budda Baker lands at No. 34! @NFLFilms pic.twitter.com/0ASGIUIOuw
— NFL (@NFL) August 14, 2025
“He’s a dog. The heart and soul of our defense,” tight end Trey McBride said in the video reveal of Baker’s top 100 standing. “He just loves being out there. He’s a psycho. He just hits everything.”
Baker is coming off one of the most productive seasons of his Cardinals tenure, setting career highs in tackles (164) and tackles for loss (10). He also tied his high mark for sacks with a pair.
For his efforts, Baker made his seventh Pro Bowl and earned a fourth All-Pro nod. He was also once again a nominee for the Art Rooney Sportsmanship award.
Where has Budda Baker landed on past NFL Top 100 lists?
A full look at where Baker has been ranked over the years:
– 2025: No. 34
– 2024: No. 89
– 2023: No. 73
– 2022: No. 67
– 2021: No. 19
– 2020: No. 97
How many Cardinals cracked this year’s NFL Top 100?
In addition to Baker, tight end Trey McBride and pass rusher Josh Sweat found themselves on this year’s ranking.
A pair of first-time additions to the top 100, Sweat came in at No. 95, while McBride landed at No. 65.