Kansas City Chiefs: Zack Baun would improve linebacker corp
The Kansas City Chiefs didn’t have a ton of weaknesses in 2019, but if one had to pick a weakness, they’d probably pick the linebacker position. That could change if the Chiefs selected Zack Baun in the 2020 NFL Draft.
As of now, the Kansas City Chiefs’ linebacker depth chart consists of starters Anthony Hitchens, and Damien Wilson, and also includes names like Ben Niemann and Dorian O’Daniel. None of those guys have really wowed during their time as Chiefs and it’d be smart for Kansas City to grab a linebacker in the 2020 NFL Draft.
A name that the Chiefs should look into drafting is Zack Baun out of Wisconsin, who would be an immediate upgrade at the linebacker position.
Baun had a sensational senior season for the Badgers, highlighted by his 12.5 sacks in 14 games while also notching 75 tackles with 19.5 of those being for lost yardage. Baun also had an interception during his senior campaign and was everywhere on the field.
Charles Davis of NFL.com had the Chiefs drafting Baun in the first round of his latest mock draft and had this to say,
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"I gave Kansas City a runner last time (and that move still makes a lot of sense to me), but here’s a chance for the Chiefs to continue to upgrade their defense. Baun has solid coverage skills and can rush the passer, too."
Per Kyle Crabbs of The Draft Network, Baun seems to be at his best when he’s allowed to move around the field and do a bit of everything. The Chiefs defense could benefit with a player like that, as Baun could be used in a multitude of ways.
Baun might not necessarily be a first round talent, but it’s doubtful the Wisconsin product would fall into KC’s laps at pick 63, so they’d either want to trade down and move out of the first round to secure him in the second round or move up from 63.
The run defense improved in 2019, but the Chiefs can’t be content with that. They have to make the run defense a strength and Baun could help with that. His 12.5 sacks for the Badgers in 2019 probably isn’t a realistic goal for him to have in Kansas City, especially not early on, but he could make a big impact in the pass rushing aspect and that’d make the Chiefs defense even more lethal.
How would you feel about the Kansas City Chiefs adding Zack Baun in the 2020 NFL Draft?