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With the NFL slated to kickoff in mere days, we at B5Q have been churning out scouting reports in anticipation for the NFL Draft highlighting the former Badgers who will aim to make an NFL roster come fall.
In addition to our scouting reports brought to you by Owen Riese, we thought it might be a fun trip back down memory lane to review some of the top plays produced by some of the prospects with the best odds to be selected this weekend.
In the latest edition of our top plays retrospect series, we turn our gaze to linebacker Zack Baun.
No. 5: Interception forced versus Northwestern
Want more defensive touchdowns you say?
— George Balekji (@GeorgeBalekji) September 28, 2019
Zack Baun x Noah Burks = 24-3 Wisconsin lead over Northwestern pic.twitter.com/8p9qnA6ITL
While Baun did not necessarily get credited with the sack on this play, his pressure on the quarterback leads to a duck of a throw that is picked off and results in a defensive touchdown for UW.
No. 4: Blitz and sack against OSU in B1G Championship
#Wisconsin EDGE Zack Baun bullies JK Dobbins on his way to sack Justin Fields.
— Steve Frederick (@_SteveFrederick) December 8, 2019
With the way Baun has played this year, he's going in the first two rounds come April. pic.twitter.com/OGSRC1Cn0X
After the delayed blitz, Baun is able to shed the attempted block by J.K. Dobbins swiftly to bring down Justin Fields in the backfield.
No. 3: Bend and sack
Zack Baun (@zackbizzaun) "runs the hoop" & gets the sack. Pass rush drill work showing up in games! #OnWisconsin #PassRush pic.twitter.com/Qa6UoxPvZe
— DLineVids (@dlinevids1) November 24, 2019
Racing around the Nebraska left tackle, Baun was able to bend his way to paydirt for the big sack on third down.
No. 2: Sack + forced fumble leads to a touchdown
#Badgers EDGE Zack Baun has been one of the most disruptive defenders in the Nation through his first 5 games.
— Steve Frederick (@_SteveFrederick) October 10, 2019
- 6 Sacks
- 6 QB Hits
- 12 QB Hurries
- 2 Forced Fumbles
His pressures and forced fumbles have led to a few Wisconsin touchdowns. pic.twitter.com/QD43avdfCc
In the first game of the year, Baun proved that he was ready to breakout. In the early second quarter, he was able to maneuver around his defender and force the strip that fell into the hands of Matt Henningsen for the defensive touchdown.
No. 1: Pick-six fun
BEST DEFENSE IN THE NATION
— IKE Badgers Podcast (@IKE_Badgers) October 12, 2019
Pick 6 for #5️⃣6️⃣ Zack Baun pic.twitter.com/AqygSJP2Y7
While dropping into zone coverage, Baun found himself in the passing lane and batted the ball to himself for the interception. He proceeded to demonstrate his wheels by pulling away for the defensive touchdown. His ability to not only get after the quarterback, but also play in coverage make him a high value pick as a linebacker.
You can check out a full highlight video of Zack Baun courtesy of Wisconsin Athletics below.