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2020 NFL Draft: Zack Baun presents intriguing value in middle rounds

By Cory Kinnan

MADISON, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 12: Zack Baun #56 of the Wisconsin Badgers intercepts a pass intended for Darrell Stewart Jr. #25 of the Michigan State Spartans during the second half of a game at Camp Randall Stadium on October 12, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MADISON, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 12: Zack Baun #56 of the Wisconsin Badgers intercepts a pass intended for Darrell Stewart Jr. #25 of the Michigan State Spartans during the second half of a game at Camp Randall Stadium on October 12, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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MADISON, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 12: Zack Baun #56 of the Wisconsin Badgers returns an interception for a touchdown during the second half of a game against the Michigan State Spartans at Camp Randall Stadium on October 12, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MADISON, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 12: Zack Baun #56 of the Wisconsin Badgers returns an interception for a touchdown during the second half of a game against the Michigan State Spartans at Camp Randall Stadium on October 12, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Looking at Baun’s traits

Off the line of scrimmage, it is easy to see the sprinter speed as Baun has an elite first step and shows good hip fluidity to occasionally win one-on-one battles. However, at just 6-3 and 235 pounds, Baun does not have the size or strength needed to hold the point of attack or set the edge with ease.

Baun only has a strong arm and spin move that he relies on to win off the edge, and overall does not use his hands at an elite level. Again this could be due to the size he possesses as he is trying to beat 6-6 and 315 pound tackles around the edge.

As far as pursuit and ability to play the run, Baun is well equipped to get parallel down the line of scrimmage and is a sure tackler once contact is initiated. Baun has a motor that will not quit running until he hears a whistle blown, showing the determination to fight for his team from the start of a play until it is finished.

Due to the traits listed above, this writer is left to believe that Baun may be better suited in the NFL, not as an edge rusher, but as an off-ball linebacker. We dive into that next.

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