The New England Patriots like their linebackers to boast versatility. Regardless of what scheme Bill Belichick is running in any given year, he tends to identify linebackers who can contribute as pass-rushers and run-defenders with some work in coverage. Perhaps the Patriots will do that in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Certainly, New England deploys role-players, who generally contribute in a niche. Linebacker Chase Winovich spends most of his time on the field as a pass-rusher on passing downs. John Simon, meanwhile, serves as an early-down linebacker as a run defender. Jamie Collins and Kyle Van Noy were every-down ‘backers on the edge and in the interior.
Because Van Noy and Collins are pending free agents, the Patriots may look to replace their veterans in the draft. And Pro Football Focus, a digital scouting service, has just the prospect for the Patriots: Wisconsin linebacker Zack Baun. Here’s what PFF wrote about the strong fit:
“Baun is somewhat stuck between positions as he transitions to the NFL. He played almost exclusively as an edge defender at Wisconsin, where he produced at a high level as a pass rusher. Last year, his 91.0 pass-rushing grade was a top-10 mark among qualifying FBS pass rushers. He showed, however, that he could also perform out in space in coverage, earning a 91.1 coverage grade over the last two seasons on 195 coverage snaps. At only 238 pounds, he may be better suited as an off-ball linebacker given his combination of size and fluidity.”
He could be an ideal fit in lieu of the Patriots’ two veteran free agents, who seem likely to depart in free agency. Collins played on a one-year prove-it deal in 2019, and that’s — for the most part — what he did. He’s likely to get a solid financial commitment from another team. And Van Noy seems ready for a payday. He has been underpaid for his significant contributions in New England. The veteran must feel like he’s long overdue for a payday.
So perhaps that’s where Baun steps in. He seems like a prospect who might fall in the second round. So would the Patriots reach for him at 23rd overall? Or would they trade back to pick him up along with more draft assets? If the Patriots find they like him, they’re probably make a move to get him.
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