The Lions had Zack Baun at the 2020 Senior Bowl, and if they are able to acquire another late first-round pick like this, he makes a ton of sense for them.
Matt Patricia certainly values versatility in his linebackers, something he undoubtedly learned from Bill Belichick in New England.
Baun’s skillset reminds a bit of Kyle Van Noy coming out of BYU, but because of the way the Patriots have proven they can utilize that skillset effectively, I think Baun is going to have something of a fast track at the next level.
Although he’s more of an edge player by trade, Baun has solid instincts all around and can play some middle linebacker when needed. As a matter of fact, the Lions’ coaching staff had him playing some off-ball linebacker at Senior Bowl practices.
He can rush the passer, play in coverage, and Patricia can pretty much put him wherever he wants.