Baltimore Ravens scouting reports: Zack Baun a versatile chess piece
Wisconsin’s Zack Baun is an intriguing prospect that can lineup all over the defensive alignment, and this should entice the Baltimore Ravens.
Breakdown:
If you’re looking for a Swiss army knife for your defense, then look no further than Wisconsin’s Zack Baun. Baun, whose senior season was one of the best in college football in 2019, looks like a player that can play multiple roles while excelling at what he does best: rushing the passer.
Baun is a bit of a tweener, however, and may not be big enough (currently) to be the edge setting outside linebacker you want on your defense. His athleticism isn’t anything special, but he is a gifted all-around defender. The bottom line is that Baun is someone that is a difference-maker on defense, even if he doesn’t have a set position.
Notable stats for Zack Baun (full stats here) 2015-2019:
- 137 tackles from 2018-2019
- 19.5 TFLs, 12.5 sacks in 2019
- Two career interceptions (pick-six in 2019)
Strengths:
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- Dominant senior season
- Can add bulk to his frame if asked to be a full-time edge rusher
- Shows enough versatility to be a utility player in a variety of defenses
- Football I.Q. is off the charts; can diagnose alignments and adjust his play accordingly
- Rarely moved off his spot; functional strength a big plus
- First step quickness is nuts; explosion off of the snap
- Surprisingly nimble in pass coverage
Weaknesses:
- Tweener without a solidified position; absolutely has to continue adding bulk to his frame if he wants to be a full-time edge rusher
- One year’s worth of great production; certainly a raw prospect
- Tight hips affect his ability to bend the edge
- Can get suckered in on misdirection plays and lose the track of the football
- Needs to develop counter moves and keep his chest clean or longer offensive tackles will neutralize him
Fit with the Ravens:
While there are many who would prefer Zack Baun to be a full-time edge rusher in a 3-4 defense, I’m not a fan of pigeonholing a player that can do so much more than rush the passer. The Baltimore Ravens odd fronts will give Baun a chance to show off his versatility and get the most out of his potential.
Baun’s size does worry me, as he isn’t the long and twitchy edge rusher you’d want outside. Still, he has shown a lot of growth and his best football could be ahead of him. As he develops, his toolbox of pass-rushing moves will increase and he could be a technician outside.
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When breaking down Zack Baun, he reminds you a lot of Kyle Van Noy with the New England Patriots in terms of a guy who can flex throughout the defense and wreck havoc. The downside is he also looks like Kamalei Correa, which would make Baltimore Ravens fans a bit nervous. If he hits, the kid’s potential is through the roof and he’d be an excellent addition to this defense.