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

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MADISON, WI – SEPTEMBER 08: Elijah Lilly #19 of the New Mexico Lobos is brought down by Andrew Van Ginkel #17 and Zack Baun #56 of the Wisconsin Badgers during a game at Camp Randall Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Baun better suited as an off-ball backer?

When looking at and scouting the linebacker position, the main traits this writer looks for are: a player’s ability to tackle, how well he reads and reacts to what is happening in front of him, his coverage skills, pursuit ability, and how well they excel as a pass rusher. Baun has shown the ability to excel in these skills of an off-ball linebacker.

Where Baun really excels, especially for an edge rusher, is in pass coverage; on both of his interceptions in his career, Baun has shown great range in zone coverage, good ball skills, and good hip movement to track the quarterback’s eyes. This clip below demonstrates Baun’s ability to be an efficient asset in coverage.

https://twitter.com/IKE_Badgers/status/1183141979523297280?s=20

We have already tackled Baun’s ability to rush the passes in depth, since he is technically considered an edge prospect. His pursuit is also excellent from the edge as he can get parallel down the line and track ball carriers to the ground, and as a tackler, there are no red flags there either.

The one area of Baun’s game that may take some time to adjust is his ability to read and react from the second level instead of off the edge. However, there has been another player from Wisconsin who entered the draft and has since become a Pro Bowl linebacker in Joe Schobert from the Cleveland Browns; this seems like a great pro comparison for Baun as he prepares for the next step of his career.

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