The New Orleans Saints have selected Wisconsin linebacker Zack Baun with the 74th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Here's what you need to know about Baun:
Measurables: 6’2”/238
School: Wisconsin
2019 Stats: 76 tackles, 12.5 sacks, 19.5 TFL, 2 FF, INT
Accolades: 2019 Butkus Award finalist, 2019 FWAA First-Team All-America, 2019 AP Second-Team All-American, 2019 First-Team All-Big Ten
Strengths:
• Explosive first step
• Quick lateral movement gives him good sideline-to-sideline range
• Versatility - can disrupt the run, rush the passer and can cover RBs and TEs in space
Weaknesses:
• Lacks desirable length to be pure edge rusher in NFL
• Tendency to lose football on RPOs and misdirections
• Room for improvement on pass-rushing moves; tends to rely on athleticism over skill
"His versatility to be a guy who can play outside as a pass rusher. He can be inside in your base. Pass rush situations, third down situations, he can be on the outside. He gives you that. He’s got a great attitude, great approach. He hustles. He’s a team guy, a great attitude. Players love him. I think he would be a great pick in that late first-round area." - Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN
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Player Comparison: Kyle Van Noy
It’s easy to see the similarities in Baun and Van Noy: both are about the same size (Van Noy a little bigger), were great pass rushers in college and are best utilized for their versatility. Many are skeptical if Baun can become a true pass rusher at the next level, but if used in the right scheme, like Van Noy, he can be a disruptive linebacker who can have an impact on the game in various different ways.
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