Linebacker Chandler Jones #55 and strong safety Budda Baker #32 of the Arizona Cardinals celebrate a sack fumble in the first half of the NFL game against the Carolina Panthers at State Farm Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Chandler Jones, Patrick Peterson and Budda Baker will provide the backbone for the Arizona Cardinals defense to leap from a bottom-five unit in 2019 to something closer to respectability.<\/p>\n
Each of them were named by an ESPN panel of more than 50 players, coaches, executives and scouts as top-10 players at their positions heading into the 2020 season.<\/p>\n
Jones ranked as the second-best edge rusher on the list, trailing only the Chicago Bears Khalil Mack.<\/p>\n
It helps Jones is coming off a season of 19.0 sacks and eight forced fumbles.<\/p>\n
His rush skill set is as diverse and versatile as anybody Ive been around, a longtime NFL defensive coach told ESPNs Jeremy Fowler. You dont see it as much with the way they use him in Arizona, but he is an excellent interior pass-rusher and they dont put him in there very much.<\/p>\n
Hes more than capable rushing inside. Unbelievable flexibility and body control. Uses hands very well, student of the game. Hes got everything.<\/p>\n
Despite a down season, Peterson ranked seventh among cornerbacks in the poll.<\/p>\n
Though an anonymous coordinator who was polled warned that the 30-year-old might see a drop-off in production this year, the person added that Peterson no doubt remains an above-average athlete and among the best corners in the game.<\/p>\n
Peterson came on strong late in 2019. He pulled in two picks with seven passes defensed and 46 tackles, plus added a key forced fumble that helped Arizona beat the New York Giants in his debut after a PED suspension.<\/p>\n
And at safety, Pro Bowler Budda Baker earned credit for his reputation as a relentless playmaker. While hes entering the fourth year of his NFL career, Bakers yet to intercept a pass but piled up 147 tackles with six passes defensed.<\/p>\n
That little joker is a bullet, an NFL passing game coordinator told Fowler. Hes out there knocking bigger dudes around. He moved two running backs in a game I watched.<\/p>\n
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ESPN poll: 3 Cardinals defensive players are top-10 at their position - Arizona Sports<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Linebacker Chandler Jones #55 and strong safety Budda Baker #32 of the Arizona Cardinals celebrate a sack fumble in the first half of the NFL game against the Carolina Panthers at State Farm Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart\/Getty Images) Chandler Jones, Patrick Peterson and Budda Baker will provide the backbone for the Arizona Cardinals defense to leap from a bottom-five unit in 2019 to something closer to respectability. Each of them were named by an ESPN panel of more than 50 players, coaches, executives and scouts as top-10 players at their positions heading into the 2020 season. Continue reading