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2020 NFL mock draft: Full 7 rounds without trades

By Logan Jakubajtys

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces a pick by the Cincinnati Bengals during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces a pick by the Cincinnati Bengals during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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Zack Baun, Wisconsin Badgers
Zack Baun #56 of the Wisconsin Badgers (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

23. player. 47. Scouting Report. EDGE. Wisconsin. Zack Baun. Pick Analysis

The New England Patriots love versatility, and Wisconsin’s Zack Baun fits the mold. Bill Belichick has to find a way to replace linebackers Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins, and Elandon Roberts, which won’t be easy at all. Baun though has the ability to play the hybrid move role like Collins or as an outside linebacker and edge setter like Van Noy.

New England values linebackers that can rush the passer, defend against the run, and play some man or zone coverage when necessary. Those skills are what enabled the Patriots to lead the league in opponent points per game last season at just over 12. Having to replace so many players though, means it is a whole new ball game in 2020. Baun could become the next name to develop into a star in Bill’s system though.

At Wisconsin, Baun was among the nation’s leaders with 19.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks in 2019. He earned Second-Team AP All-American and First-Team All-Big Ten honors. As if that wasn’t enough Baun also intercepted a pass, broke up two others, and caused two fumbles on the year. His game is very Van Noy-like, although it may take a year for all of those traits to translate to the NFL game.

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