Entering the NFL draft combine Wisconsin linebacker Zack Baun had the best chance of being the first Badger to hear his name called when the NFL draft begins on April 23rd in Las Vegas.
After partaking in the drills on Saturday he hasn’t done anything to prove why he shouldn’t hear his name called potentially on the first day of the draft.
Baun who’s projected to go late first-round registered a 4.65-second 40-yard dash time, which tied for 13th with Fresno State’s Mykal Walker. Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons led the way with a 4.39-second 40-yard dash.
Baun will have another chance to see if he can improve upon his 40-yard dash time when Wisconsin holds its pro day in March. But he could also be happy with his time in Indianapolis and elect not to run again.
Prior to running a solid 40-yard dash time Baun was able to put up 24 reps on the bench press at 225 pounds, which ranked third. A pair of fellow Big Ten linebackers in Michigan’s Khaleke Hudson and Michigan State’s Joe Bachie finished with 30 and 26 reps respectively to finish ahead of Baun.
Baun finished his senior season with 19.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks and with pass rushers in demand by NFL teams, Baun’s demonstration of speed and strength should help him continue to solidify himself as a potential first-round draft pick.
Baun also posted a 7-second time in the three-cone drill, which ranked fifth, and a 4.31-second in the 20-yard shuttle, which ranked 10th among linebackers.