Arizona moved up to 2017 second-round No. 36 for Budda Baker…

The Exchange

Arizona traded up during the 2017 draft to No. 36 and also received seventh-round No. 221. Chicago received No. 45, No. 119, No. 197 and Arizona's 2018 fourth-round choice. The Cardinals selected Budda Baker at No. 36 and Shalom Luani at No. 221, while the Bears turned the larger package into several players and a later-moved selection. Arizona/St. Louis Cardinals Return Baker became the transaction's defining player. He developed into a perennial Pro Bowl safety and a long-term centerpiece of Arizona's defense, delivering high-level production far beyond the typical expectation for a second-round pick. Luani did not drive the result, but Arizona only needed Baker's career to justify the aggressive move. Securing an impact defensive back gave the Cardinals premium realized value. Chicago Bears Return Chicago's quantity approach produced some useful pieces. Tarik Cohen became an explosive offensive and return threat before injuries shortened his peak, and the Bears also selected Adam Shaheen and Joel Iyiegbuniwe. The No. 197 asset was later moved, with the chain ultimately tied to Jeremy Clark. The Bears created real roster value, but none of the pieces matched Baker's sustained importance. Value in Hindsight This is not a case where the team trading down received nothing. Cohen's peak was meaningful, and multiple selections gave Chicago flexibility. The difference is that Arizona identified a player who became one of the league's more accomplished safeties and retained him as a core defender. A collection of moderate returns rarely outweighs one durable star-level outcome, especially when the acquiring team also received a late pick. Final Verdict Arizona earns an A and Chicago a C. The Cardinals won because Baker became a perennial Pro Bowl-caliber safety and clearly the best player produced by the exchange. Chicago's return included useful contributors, preventing a failing grade, but the combined value did not match Baker's longevity and impact. The transaction strongly rewards Arizona's decision to move up.