As the NFL Draft draws closer, Badgers Wire is exploring draft profiles of those who have declared. The basic premise of these articles is to take a brief look at each player. Each column will take a look at each player’s football statistics as well as their physical statistics. Finally, we’ll give you a brief summary of what each player offers and where he can be expected to go in the 2020 NFL Draft. Next up is Wisconsin linebacker Zack Baun.
The Badger standout had a mixed performance at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, just over a week ago. Thanks to contributions from Joe Goodberry of The Athletic and Patrick Carlisle of LB3 Scouting, we were able to get quality coverage of Baun’s practice week before the game for Badgers Wire. What ultimately makes Baun a tempting pick is his versatility combined with his work ethic and on-field production in an NFL-ready defense at Wisconsin.
Carlisle said Baun “has continued to shine as a pass rusher consistently winning against some solid Senior Bowl offensive tackles with speed and technique. In linebacker drills he showed solid coverage skills for a guy who was more of a pass rusher in college.”
Goodberry said, “Zack Baun has been doing drills at both linebacker and defensive line and has had moments of success at each. Showing some nice speed to chase the ball, Baun has taken to playing inside linebacker.”
Several major outlets have projected Baun as a solid fit for two blue-collar franchises cut from the same cloth with owners who have a deep friendship. The NY Post said Baun would be a great fit for the Giants, comparing him to players like T.J. Watt, Ryan Connelly, and Joe Schobert, all of whom have a Wisconsin connection to Baun.
FanSided’s Pittsburgh site said Baun would be a great fit for the Steelers, comparing him to T.J. Watt and suggesting he could play well next to Buck linebacker Devin Bush. The Baltimore Ravens’ official site labeled him as one of the Senior Bowl Prospects (at Positions of Need) Who Have Stood Out, while the NFL’s official site interviewed him as key player. There is a clear need for the player in the upcoming draft.