3. Zack Baun, Wisconsin 6-3, 240 (2)
Why He’s Here On The List: Very, very good, and still improving. he’s a tough, productive all-around outside linebacker who lived in opposing backfields with a knack for coming up with the perfectly-timed play to end a drive. Too quick around the edge, he might not start out as a pure pass rusher, but he can be used that way.
What The NFL Types Want To See: Do you care that he’s 6-3, 240 and not around the 250ish range as a more of an end than an outside linebacker? He plays fast and explosive, and now he has to look the part among the other linebacker options. If he can be smooth, he might move into the late first round.
Bottom Line: It doesn’t hurt that TJ Watt went from Wisconsin havoc-wreaker to NFL superstar in a flash. Baun isn’t Watt, but he’s not all that far off in terms of late-first round potential with the pass rushing upside to step in immediately and be a factor. No, he might not be quite big enough to be a normal NFL pass rusher, but he’ll get into the backfield in any scheme.