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2020 NFL Draft: 5 players Falcons could take in Round 1

By Rucker Haringey

OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI - NOVEMBER 16: K'Lavon Chaisson #18 of the LSU Tigers in action during a game against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI - NOVEMBER 16: K'Lavon Chaisson #18 of the LSU Tigers in action during a game against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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Zack Baun, Wisconsin Badgers
Zack Baun #56 of the Wisconsin Badgers (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

2. Zack Baun, Wisconsin outside linebacker

The Falcons don’t have to draft a defensive lineman to boost their pass rush. Grabbing a twitchy outside linebacker like Baun could do just as much good for Atlanta’s front seven.

Turn on his college tape from Wisconsin and you’ll see a playmaker who is around the football all the time. He was equally effective for the Badgers rushing the passer as he was dropping into coverage. That versatility could be huge for the Falcons given the passing offenses they’re required to face in their own division.

Currently, Baun is a player that most draft experts are projecting to go later in Round 1. If he was free to work out for teams he’s just the sort of player that would skyrocket up team’s boards. The Falcons may benefit from this season’s abbreviated pre-draft process.

It would be safer for Atlanta to take a strict defensive end like A.J. Epenesa in this spot, but Baun would give them more value down the line. He’s got a real chance to grow into a Pro Bowler if he finds the right defensive scheme at the next level.

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