A review and breakdown of predictions for the Green Bay Packers in final mock drafts from a few of the most prominent draft analysts in the business:
The mock draft: Matt Miller, Bleacher Report
The pick: LB Zack Baun, Wisconsin
The reasoning: “Wisconsin’s Zack Baun is a do-it-all linebacker with pass-rushing skills and experience as well as the body type and athleticism to play as a stack linebacker against the run or in coverage. Pairing with the already athletic Packers defensive front, Baun will bring all kinds of heat from the middle of the field.”
Our breakdown: Baun is both intriguing and terrifying as a potential first-round pick for the Packers. He’s a slippery, active edge rusher with experience dropping into coverage and playing in space, presenting an opportunity to transition into a hybrid off-ball/edge rusher position at the next level. The Packers need an off-ball linebacker, and teams are always looking for disruptive rushers. It’s possible Baun could play a Clay Matthews-like role, serving as an off-ball linebacker on early downs before transitioning into more of an attacking role on passing downs. It’s an appealing projection for a really good football player. But it’s also a scary one. Baun doesn’t have elite size or athleticism, and he’d be transitioning to a brand new and physically demanding position. Also, as an off-ball linebacker, he’d be doing far less of what he’s best at – rushing the quarterback. Baun is a smart, tough player who could provide value at two important spots in the defensive front, but he comes with extra risk. The Packers would need a solid plan and complete trust in his versatility to make him the pick at No. 30.
The player info
Height: 6-2
Weight: 238
40-yard dash: 4.65
Vertical leap: 32.5″
Broad jump: 115″
Three-cone: 7.0
Short shuttle: 4.31
Bench press: 24
RAS: 7.85
Our draft profile: Zack Baun
[lawrence-related id=40541]
Highlights:
[lawrence-related id=43484,43476,43468,43458]