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Cardinals All-Pro Budda Baker taking rookie Will Johnson under his wings

Originally posted on Burn City Sports
By Tanner Tortorella | Last updated Sep 4, 2025 6:59 PM ET

GLENDALE – There are only a few defensive rookies with the amount of pressure on par with Arizona Cardinals second-round pick Will Johnson. The All-American cornerback at Michigan was touted as the best defensive back in the 2025 class, but injuries tanked Johnson’s value to 41st overall. The mental effect of dropping that far can be serious, especially now with injuries to his teammates opening the door for Arizona to need him to be CB1 on day one for the secondary.

Johnson will need a support system to not drown in the noise, and safety Budda Baker is willing to take on the role. The two-time All-Pro safety spoke with the media on Thursday, ahead of the team’s season opener against the New Orleans Saints. Baker discussed his relationship with Johnson, and the similarities he sees in him.

Cardinals’ Baker on mentoring Johnson:

Budda Baker speaks on taking Will Johnson under his wing and making sure he sits right next to him in meetings

A true leader pic.twitter.com/FE6S2Bgn1g

— (@LockdownWill) September 4, 2025

Baker asked Johnson to sit next to him in the film room, which will be the rookie’s seat for the rest of the year. Johnson will be able to learn from the seven-time Pro Bowler. The seat was previously held by cornerback Starling Thomas V, who had developed into a stellar player for the Cardinals but tore his ACL during training camp last month.

The 22-year-old has plenty of expectations, and fellow former second-round pick Baker understands the noise that crush fellow rookies. In his rookie season, Baker was named a pro-bowler and an All-Pro by only starting seven games. The former Washington Huskies safety made his start on special teams and developed into a premier player in the NFL.

Baker understands the work and groundwork for the rest of a player’s career is formed during their rookie season. He wants to ensure that Johnson has all the tools to live up to all the expectations surrounding him.

This article first appeared on Burn City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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