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Former Wisconsin linebacker Zack Baun was the second Badger to hear his name called on night two of the NFL Draft as he was selected No. 74 overall by the New Orleans Saints.
Baun fell far in the draft before hearing his name called as many mock drafts had him going in the late-first or early-second round.
The Wisconsin native will now join a New Orleans defensive unit headlined by All-Pro-level players in Cameron Jordan, Demario Davis and Marshon Lattimore where he will fit in as a day-1 starter at linebacker and provide instant pass-rush production.
Baun’s path is nothing short of impressive, as he was an extremely productive dual-threat quarterback in high school and didn’t play linebacker until he arrived in Madison. Until last season, even, there wasn’t much NFL buzz surrounding him. His 75 tackles, 30 tackles-for-loss, 12.5 sacks, one interception and two forced fumbles then became enough to push him into the draft conversation and eventually into the third round.
Baun’s selection now sets the stage for fellow Badgers Tyler Biadasz and Quintez Cephus to wait to see who hears their named called next by commissioner Roger Goodell.