Zack Baun (Wisconson WLB) -- drafted by Saints

[QBhunter58]

Could Baun fall to us in round 2? I am really starting to love the idea of taking a rangy angry defender like Zack Baun or Jeremy Chinn in round 2 to fill a role in this defense and be a tone setter. A lot of the talk about Baun is as pass rusher, something he shows some talent in. However, he is also an excellent defender against the pass often covering TEs and RBs proficiently. While Jim Schwartz doesnt typically value linebackers in his defense i think one thing is clear: he values a certain type of defender to fill his linebacker roles. Look at Gerry, Hicks, Bradham, Kamu... all of these players are prototypical rangy defenders in the mold of an athletic WILL LB. Old school thumpers like Zach Brown, Worrilow, and even TJ Edwards only play limited roles in Schwartz's scheme

They are all typically fluid athletes (two of them being safety/LB tweeners) who show sideline to sideline ability and adequate coverage skills. For better or worse Gym Shorts does not often use his linebackers as blitzers. Guys like Baum and Chinn seem like ideal fits to me. Sure Baum can blitz (12.5 sacks and 19.5 TFL-2019) and he may have typically been used on the edge as wisconson, but this kid can flat out play at multiple levels in the defense. When you use Linebackers like Shwartz you are looking for a few things: footwork, athleticism (fluidity, hip flip, et), coverage ability, and finally instincts. Instincts are key... does he know show discipline to stick to his man/zone, can he read offenses and  anticipate (i.e. does he get to his spot before the ball carrier), and is he a playmaker?

For me Baum checks a lot of boxes here, I dont think he will fall very far in the second round but who knows...

 

[cunninghamtheman]

Baun has a diluted sample on his piss test. Might help him fall a little. Big time player! I figured 3-4 teams would be drooling over him. Ravens I had tabbed to pick him. Think the piss test dropped him out of the first. He has enough athleticism to thrive as a LB in Schwartz scheme. He’s a playmaker.