During the current NFL offseason, Cardinals safety Budda Baker has taken an active role in mentoring the team’s young cornerbacks, helping address the challenge left by the season-ending injury to Sean Murphy-Bunting. Baker emphasized the importance of communication and leadership on the field, reinforcing the fundamentals for the developing defensive backs.

Head coach Jonathan Gannon also expressed confidence in his young players to rise up amid the adversity. With Murphy-Bunting sidelined, the Cardinals are relying on their less experienced corners to acclimate quickly through game reps and tough learning moments. Gannon highlighted the necessity of live-game experience, including mistakes, as essential to the growth process for players from rookies to veterans like Calais Campbell.

“For the young guys, there will be some learning on the job,”

Gannon said.

You need reps to learn, I truly believe that. And really, bad reps to really learn. So that’s an ongoing process for all our guys, whether you play 18 years like Calais (Campbell) to a rookie who has never played in the NFL before. I feel really good about that (cornerback) room. I feel really good about the guys that are coming back and feel good about the guys we added.

—Jonathan Gannon, Cardinals Head Coach

Supporting Gannon’s outlook, Budda Baker detailed how he actively communicates with the young corners on game day and during practices, ensuring they grasp their roles and the defensive schemes. Baker said consistent interaction prevents confusion and builds trust within the secondary.

“If we’re on a game day right now I can easily tell our young corners what to do because that’s our job,”

Baker stated.

They have to understand what they have to do and understand the game plan, but also communicating with us all the time. You’ll never not know what to do because our communication is so important.

—Budda Baker, Cardinals Safety

Jake Moody Adjusts Technique and Mental Approach Following Injury Challenges

Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers’ kicker Jake Moody is working through recovery from a high ankle sprain sustained midseason, which caused a notable dip in his field goal accuracy. Before his injury in Week 5, Moody was on a strong streak, converting 13 of 14 attempts, but the sprain impacted his ability to maintain rhythm and confidence in his kicks.

To adapt, Moody altered his kicking motion from a three-step approach down to two steps, a change he has found promising as he rebuilds his form heading into the offseason. However, the process was difficult, requiring patience and mental toughness.

Obviously, when you have been doing something since the sixth grade, it was definitely challenging at the start. I had to keep telling myself to stick with it.

—Jake Moody, 49ers Kicker

Moody also reflected on the frustration of losing momentum after his injury during a tackle attempt. He described the setback as a harsh reality of the NFL’s demands but is optimistic about moving beyond it.

I felt like I was kicking the ball the best I have in my entire life,

Moody shared.

And then … it sucks, but that’s how the NFL goes — you try to make a tackle and get a high ankle sprain. After that injury, I lost that rhythm I was in. And once you lose the rhythm, it’s tough to get back into it.

—Jake Moody, 49ers Kicker

Despite some dips in performance that shook his confidence, Moody has adopted a one-kick mindset, focusing solely on the next opportunity to succeed. This approach has helped him regain assurance in his ability and maintain a strong mental game.

It’s unacceptable to be kicking the way I was the second half of the year,

Moody admitted.

I don’t know if I lost any confidence, but stuff always creeps into your head, especially after missing a bunch of kicks. But those kicks are irrelevant now. It’s in the past, and I like to have a one-kick mentality, as in the next kick. Right now, I’ve been kicking the ball really well, so I feel like I’m in a good head space.

—Jake Moody, 49ers Kicker

Rams’ Jordan Whittington Demonstrates Growth and Composure in Offseason Regimen

With the Los Angeles Rams, second-year wide receiver Jordan Whittington is displaying a notable increase in confidence and understanding during offseason routines. Head coach Sean McVay praised Whittington’s progress, linking his development to the accumulation of experience and greater clarity on his role within the offense.

McVay highlighted Whittington’s grasp of route details and the broader intent of various plays, underscoring a maturity that has improved the receiver’s ability to contribute reliably on the field.

You can see (Jordan Whittington‘s) accumulation of experience has led to a confidence, ability to be able to fill in when needed. (I) thought he had a really good day today, you can see he’s just got a real comfort level in terms of what’s being asked, what’s the intent of some of these plays, what are the route nuances and where do I fit within these concepts, and so I’ve just been really proud of the progress, the maturity,

McVay said. —Sean McVay, Rams Head Coach

Leadership and Experience Shape NFL Teams Through Challenges

The current developments with Budda Baker’s leadership, Jake Moody’s comeback efforts, and Jordan Whittington’s growth highlight how NFL teams rely heavily on both experienced players and emerging talent to navigate the hurdles of injury and performance volatility. The Cardinals particularly depend on Baker’s communication skills to help bridge the gap left by injured starters, while teams like the 49ers and Rams focus on resilience and development within their rosters.

The evolving landscape of the offseason also reflects the crucial role of mental strength alongside physical skill, as seen in Moody’s and Whittington’s stories. As training camps approach, the performances and leadership demonstrated now set the tone for what these players and teams are prepared to bring into the regular season.