2020 mock draft: K.C. Chiefs linked to J.K. Dobbins, Zack Baun
By Matt Conner
Zack Baun, EDGE, Wisconsin
The word:
Baun is a senior outside linebacker from Wisconsin who didn’t really come into his own until his junior year in the Big Ten. He’s a 6’3, 235 lb. pass rusher who was named first-team All Big Ten for his production during the 2019 season. Baun ended the year with 75 total tackles (19.5 of which resulted in a loss), 12.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 interception.
"Baun can play on the edge or off the ball. His athletic ability and versatility would fit well in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense."
We say:
Much of what the Chiefs might or might want to do on the EDGE depends on how they feel about a couple key players. Frank Clark has grown into one cornerstone along the line and Alex Okafor was a nice veteran starter on the other side until he was lost for the season, but he’s contractually committed for the next two years. Of course, we all know that the Chiefs will want several rotational pass rushers involved as well, but they also have a few of those locked up.
Former second round pick Breeland Speaks will return from a season lost to injury with plenty to prove for new (to him) defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Tanoh Kpassagnon, meanwhile, will be in his contract year with plenty of money to potentially make with a breakout season.
If Chris Jones is signed long-term, it’s very possible that he will flex outside enough to keep the Chiefs from having to add another major asset here. Demone Harris is slated to return as a mid-season signing, and Tim Ward was a prospect stored on the injured list during the preseason. Also don’t forget Emmanuel Ogbah is set to hit free agency but he looked nice in red and gold. Maybe a return is in the cards?
All that said, the Chiefs could be loaded on the edge in 2020 but things could fall quickly after that. If Kpassagnon leaves after a year, if Okafor ages, if Speaks doesn’t develop, it’s easy to see an important position looking very thin. It’s the reason why the NFL maxim is that a team can never have enough pass rushers.
Enter Baun, a player with multiple pass rush moves already at his disposal. Wisconsin coached him well and set him loose this last year to great effect. With 12.5 sacks, it’s clear he knows how to disrupt the pocket and the Chiefs would love the intensity with which he attacks everything, from practice to the game. However, is he able to develop the size to grow into a three-down player? Would he remain a situational rusher for the duration of his career? And is this the biggest need for the Chiefs in the first round?