2020 NFL Draft: New Orleans Saints final draft grades
LB. 74. player. 15. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Wisconsin. Zack Baun
The trade: Saints trade pick No. 88 and a 2021 third-round pick to the Browns for pick No. 74 and pick No. 244
It was really surprising to see Baun’s name on the board early in the third round. This was a highly touted linebacker out of Wisconsin who was expected to be selected in the late first or early second round.
Baun is an extremely athletic linebacker who rushes with a quick burst and high motor off the edge. He is a versatile player, being able to contribute in pass coverage and in run support. Baun was also a team captain this past season and has been lauded for his character and high effort.
However, he is slightly undersized for the position and does not win with power. He also has an injury history that includes a torn right meniscus in 2016 and a torn lisfranc ligament in 2017. This could probably speak to why he dropped a bit, as teams may not have a defined role for him available and are not willing to take a chance with the injury history.
The Saints were not one of these teams and invested a future third to move up and get him. The trade seems to be a signal they want him to be a starter on Day 1 and fill the need at linebacker.
I wasn’t necessarily as high on Baun as many others were, but for a third-round pick, this is a great value. Baun can be a starter in this league, and make an impact in New Orleans shortly after arriving.