Zack Baun, OLB, Wisconsin

Perhaps the most pressing need the Browns have is at both linebacker spots as they lost Joe Schobert and Christian Kirksey to free agency. With only Mack Wilson and Sione Takitaki as experienced holdovers, it wouldn’t be that surprising to see them use multiple picks on linebackers.

A particularly intriguing option for the Browns would be Zack Baun from Wisconsin. The Senior Bowl standout managed to record an impressive 75 combined tackles (19.5 for loss), 12.5 sacks, one interception, two passes defensed, and two forced fumbles for the Badgers in 2019.

Lance Zierlein of NFL.com notes that Baun is a ‘scheme-diverse linebacker’ that earned a pro comparison of Kyle Van Noy. The ability Baun possesses to drop back into pass coverage makes him an intriguing option even if he lacks ideal size to set the edge.

Ascending prospect whose explosive production on the field has begun to mirror his explosive athletic traits. Baun’s twitchy get-off and deep bend at the edge is nightmare fuel for Big Ten tackles and he’s still at the early stages of pass rush development. He is aggressive to flow downhill in run support, has sideline-to-sideline range and is fluid dropping into coverage. He’s strong but a little light as an edge-setter so teams will need to figure out how best to align him. Baun is a scheme-diverse linebacker with high-impact potential whose best days are ahead of him.

At the NFL Scouting Combine, Baun was measured at 6’2″ and weighs 238 lbs with 32 3/4″ arms and 9 5/8″ hands. He managed to record a 4.65 40-yard dash, a 7.0 three-cone drill time, a 4.31 20-yard shuttle, a 32.5″ vertical jump, a 115.0″ broad jump, and 24 reps on the bench press.

The Browns would be able to provide Baun with a legitimate opportunity to hit the ground running at the NFL level. They’d probably need to expect another season of underwhelming results if they were to rely on multiple rookie linebackers in solid roles as they adjust to the next level though.