The New Orleans Saints’ selection of Zack Baun at No. 74 overall
“Super-bendy, explosive edge rusher with quality pass-rush move toolbox. Some versatility. Good instincts. A little on the small size, but fun chess piece for New Orleans behind Cam Jordan and Marcus Davenport.”
SB Nation: A- (overall draft grade)
“Baun was seen by some as a potential late first-round to early second-round talent. The Wisconsin linebacker kept sliding and the Saints felt they could move up and take a player that added value at the margins. Despite being a smaller sized player (which may have caused his slide), Baun has some interesting qualities, namely his athleticism. After being selected, Baun said he would do whatever it takes to help make an impact on the team, to include getting bigger.”
“In terms of value, there were some that had Baun with a late first round grade. The Saints had him in their top-40 and didn’t think they’re was a chance he would make it out of the middle of the second round. To get him at 74, for the price they did, made this selection a homerun. On the field, Baun fills their biggest need at linebacker and will have a chance to make an impact right away. He has versatility to play on the edge or off the line. Last season, he had 12.5 sacks for the Badgers. The Saints see him as a mike or sam linebacker.”