Baun logged five tackles, including one tackle for loss, and a pass deflection during Saturday's preseason opener against the Ravens.
After playing on the strong side during his rookie year, Baun seemed to be a more natural fit at weak-side linebacker during last weekend's preseason opener. While he may not be much of an IDP prospect as long as he has to rotate with Kwon Alexander and second-round rookie Pete Werner (leg), that could change if Werner continues to miss time and/or something happens to Alexander, who's bouncing back from an Achilles injury that ended his 2020 campaign.
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Saints' Zack Baun: Shifting to weakside linebacker
Rotowire
Baun will compete for the starting job at weakside linebacker in training camp, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.
The 2020 third-round pick worked on the strongside as a rookie but played only 82 defensive snaps. Baun could earn a larger role in 2021 with a strong showing in camp, though Demario Davis should remain the leader of the unit.
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Saints' Zack Baun: Bayou bound
Rotowire
The Saints selected Baun in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, 74th overall.
The Wisconsin product was billed as a potential first-round selection, so this is a nice value for the Saints, who traded up with the Browns to get him. Baun was a monster off the edge for the Badgers, racking up 12.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss as a senior. He has athleticism as well, showing out at the combine with a 4.65-second 40-yard dash. Baun can be used as a pass rusher or he can play off-ball linebacker. He missed the 2017 season due to a foot injury but started all 27 games in his last two years.
