It’s really tough to predict what Bill Belichick is going to do in a draft, but we know that he likes versatile front-seven pieces. That’s Baun, who broke out for the Badgers last season with 12.5 sacks and 19.5 total tackles for loss. The Patriots lost linebackers Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins and Elandon Roberts in free agency, so Baun fills a need. Since it appears New England is happy with Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer at quarterback, I’ll stay away from that position.
"Kiper points out a few things most fans seem to already understand. First, head coach Bill Belichick is impossible to predict, especially when it comes to the NFL Draft. And it also appears as if New England won’t try grabbing a quarterback early to replace the now-Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Tom Brady."
"Instead, signs point to Jarrett Stidham getting the nod under center.
The Patriots boasted one of the league’s best defenses in 2019, and that figures to be the team’s primary strength heading into this year, too. But that same defense lost some key players, as Kiper pointed out, particularly Van Noy, who signed with the Miami Dolphins after a 6.5-sack campaign last season."
"Baun, meanwhile, was a pass-rushing force his senior season with the Badgers, and that unquestionably propelled him into first-round discussion. Although he wasn’t much of a factor in this department his three years prior."
So far this is the first red flag about Braun, why was he not a sack machine earlier in his career? Was he held back on the depth chart or was he a product of his team? These are things the Patriots scouting report will look at. Let's take a second and take deeper look at Baun.
"NFL COMP - Lorenzo Alexander. Zack Baun developed into an all-around defensive playmaking presence in 2019 for Wisconsin, racking up 75 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception. He projects favorably to a 3-4 outside linebacker role at the next level where his versatility to rush the passer, drop in coverage and defend the run is optimized given his modest mass and length. With that said, I believe he can also play SAM linebacker in 4-3 base defenses and rush the passer off the edge on passing downs, making him a scheme-versatile prospect. It may take a year of seasoning for Baun to make an impact in all the ways he’s capable of contributing, but he should be a heavily-featured sub package option right away. " - Marino TDN
"Zack Baun will excel in a defensive system that capitalizes on his versatility and football IQ to place him in various roles in the defensive front seven. Baun has the quickness, burst and hand usage to win as a pressure player but early downs will serve him best working off the football to take advantage of his quick processor and short area quickness to step into gaps and fill versus the run. He can be a critical starter for a defense but needs to be moved around to play his best football." - Crabbs - TDN
"Zack brings hustle and effort to the LB position. He's a sufficient athlete overall and has redeeming value in his effort and football character. In the run game he's sufficient. He has some pop in his hands but can afford to learn to disengage more consistently. Does a good job pursuing the football as a chase player on the backside. In the passing game he is also sufficient. He's not a dynamic athlete on the edge, but has good get off. He has also shown some wiggle and bend on the edge. He has shown that he can play on his feet, demonstrating the ability to rush or drop from an up or down position. He has generated some production and been effective on all 3 downs. This players skill set suggests that he will be a 4 phase, core special teams player if necessary." - Harris TDN
"Pro Comparison: Tim Williams. Zack Baun is a Day 2 candidate for a team looking for a quick and explosive outside rusher who primary plays from a stand-up alignment. A leggy and thin rusher, Baun regularly wins off of his first step with great snap anticipation, stride length, and natural burst. After challenging tackle depth, Baun can work a two-way go with clever usage of his hands and feet to soften rush angles and flatten to the quarterback. Baun is a bit limited in his hips and can struggle to reduce his surface area up the arc, and increased mass will be necessary to survive as a three-down defender, but he's one of the most polished rushers in this class. Baun is a candidate to contribute in pass-rush situations in Year 1, with a high ceiling in Year 3 if he improves his mass and run defense." - Solak TDN
Belichick has had a history of reaching, especially with the second round, which currently the Patriots don't have a second round pick. There's even those in the sports world who believe Sony Michel and N'Keal Harry were reached and not first round talent. If Belichick reaches with Baun, it won't surprise anyone.
The draft process is not perfect, especially when it comes to the Combine and scouting. Of the thousands available, only around 300 get invited to the annual combine. While Bill may reach with players like Baun, he also sifts through the trash to find starters that went undrafted.
Now back to the article.
"Now there’s a little extra wrinkle in Baun’s prospective analysis for the NFL Draft. According to reports from around the league, Baun tested positive for a diluted urine sample at the NFL Scouting Combine. Baun explained the result was due to “drinking significant amounts of water before his weigh-in,” which can happen (I personally have administered such tests before, and it’s common). Yet prospects are cautioned about preparing for this outcome leading up to the test, so Baun missed something somewhere."
"But there’s a major difference how diluted samples are handled this year under the newly adopted collective bargaining agreement. Last season and before, such samples would have been considered failed tests. Yet that’s no longer the case under the new CBA."
"As such, it’s highly unlikely the sample results will hinder Baun’s draft stock, putting him squarely back in the discussion for a first-round pick."
"And at least according to Kiper, the Patriots won’t be shying away from interest in the 6-foot-3 linebacker."
The Patriots have had issues in the past with people with substance abuse issues. Most recently, Josh Gordon. While this red flag maybe water under the bridge for Kiper, this maybe an Impasse for the Patriots. The Patriots do their homework and one can be sure that the Patriots already know what He was trying to dilute from his system.
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