PHX Reporter

As the Cardinals' offseason work has concluded, players have left the facility. Many emphasize that these next few weeks are not a break from football but time away from the facility, with hopes of remaining focused and ready for training camp on July 23. Meanwhile, azcardinals.com is evaluating each position group before camp begins.

The final group under review is safety.

**Locks: Budda Baker, Jalen Thompson, Dadrion Taylor-Demerson**

Budda Baker, a six-time Pro Bowler, did not achieve his desired statistical season due to opposing offenses strategically avoiding him. Baker's sideline-to-sideline play has earned him multiple Pro Bowl nominations. Last season, in 12 games, he recorded 87 tackles and five tackles for loss.

Jalen Thompson complements Baker by capitalizing when offenses focus on his teammate. Thompson had a career-best season with four interceptions and one sack, earning a Pro Bowl invitation. His journey from being a supplemental draft pick in 2019 to becoming a starter highlights his steady improvement each season.

NFL analyst Brian Baldinger praised Dadrion "Rabbit" Taylor-Demerson as one of the steals of the 2024 draft. The Cardinals picked the Texas Tech safety in the fourth round. While Taylor-Demerson still has room for growth, he benefits from having mentors like Baker and Thompson. With cornerback Garrett Williams likely staying inside on nickel packages, Taylor-Demerson's playing time remains uncertain but promising.

**Work to Do: Joey Blount, Andre Chachere, Verone McKinley III**

Joey Blount and Andre Chachere were primarily used on special teams last season but stepped up when Baker and Thompson were injured. Their ability to seamlessly fill defensive roles made them valuable assets. Notably, Blount secured the game-winning interception against the Eagles.

With Taylor-Demerson joining the team, competition for backup safety spots will intensify during training camp. Chachere's five starts and familiarity with Jonathan Gannon from their Philadelphia days could benefit him while Blount’s special teams skills might secure both players' roster spots.

**Upgrade Odds: Low**

Despite limited national media attention, the Cardinals boast two Pro Bowl-caliber safeties in Baker and Thompson. Drafting Taylor-Demerson strengthens this group further; however, there's always potential for Monti Ossenfort to make additional moves if someone catches his eye. As Baker enters a contract year—a situation he views as routine—the team's core at safety appears solid.