Ranking standout linebackers from the NFL Combine for the KC Chiefs

Early Round Option

Zack Baun – Wisconsin – 6’2″ – 238 lbs

Zack Baun is an interesting prospect. He’s another guy that mainly played on the edge in college but is probably too small to be a full time edge in the NFL. However, unlike Casey Toohill who I left off this list for being too much of an edge player, I believe Baun can play linebacker in the NFL.

Baun may not have blown up the combine like Isaiah Simmons or Willie Gay Jr. did, but I absolutely believe that he raised his stock. By running a 4.65 forty and finishing in the top ten of both the three cone drill (7.00) and the shuttle (4.31) Baun showed that he has the movement skills needed to play linebacker at the next level. He also showed his strength by finishing second in the bench press with 24 reps.

What I really like about Baun is his potential versatility in KC’s defense. Baun has the power and pass rush skills to line up as an edge player on some passing downs but also has the movement and cover skills needed to drop back into coverage as well. Baun could be a front seven version of Tyrann Mathieu in that he could play different roles depending on the situation and formation that the defense was in. Because of that upside and versatility, I would have no problem with the Chiefs taking Baun at the back end of the first round.

So there you have it Chiefs fans. Those are your combine standouts at linebacker that the Chiefs might want to take a look at in the coming NFL draft. What do you think of these guys? Are there any other linebackers that you thought stood out that I didn’t cover? Are you more focused on guys like Kenneth Murray, Patrick Queen, and Jordan Brooks who didn’t do a lot at the combine last weekend? I’d love to read your thoughts in the comments below.