2020 NFL Draft: 5 linebackers who will be instant impact players

Zack Baun, Wisconsin

This might be cheating a bit as many consider Baun to be more of an “EDGE” player and not necessarily a linebacker, but I’m going to push a new narrative.

I think Baun could be utilized in the NFL similar to the way a player like Kyle Van Noy has been used by the New England Patriots.

It’s no coincidence that Baun, a guy who primarily lined up as a rusher in college, was given a number of off-ball reps at Senior Bowl practices as an inside linebacker, and what a coincidence that he was working with the Detroit Lions who are coached by former Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia.

Whether or not Baun is a first-round pick, he’s a ‘good at everything’ type of linebacker in the NFL. He is the quintessential Patriots type of guy, though I don’t think his NFL team fit should be limited to the Patriots or their tree of coaches.

Any team needing help at the linebacker position on all three downs should have interest in Baun, as he has shown in his time at Wisconsin that he has range, he can obviously rush the passer, he’s a good enough athlete, and he can cover.

As a matter of fact, some of Baun’s best plays came when he was lined up basically in a nickel cornerback position.

Obviously Chase Young missed a couple of games this year, but he and Baun tied with 47 QB pressures apiece in 2019. That’s outstanding production as a rusher.

Baun isn’t the same type of prospect as Isaiah Simmons in terms of positional versatility, but he’s going to be able to play at a high level all over the formation in the front seven.