Eagles LB Zack Baun Ready to 'Play Wherever, Do Whatever'
PHILADELPHIA – One question put to Zack Baun was, ‘Exactly what are you?’
“I think I truly can do a lot of different things,” he answered.
Baun was at the Philadelphia Eagles’ NovaCare Complex on Thursday for his introductory press conference after signing a one-year contract for $1.2 million early in the free agency process. Shortly after he talked to reporters, the Eagles signed Devin White, who is a linebacker, which is one of those different things Baun said he could do.
The thing is, he could be used more as a pass rusher from an off-ball linebacker spot, a role he began to take on late last year with the New Orleans Saints. In some ways, he could be compared to Haason Reddick, who began his career as an off-ball linebacker before transitioning to an edge player.
Reddick, though, was a first-round pick. Baun came in the third, the 74th player taken overall, of the 2020 draft. Also, at 6-3, Baun is a touch taller than Reddick, but about 10 to 15 pounds lighter.
“I’m not particularly sure about the plan, but I have a lot of experience doing both and I think I can do both at a high level,” he said. “I’m interested to see where the coaches utilize my skill set and decide to play me. I’m down to play wherever and do whatever.”
Zack Baun
Ed Kracz/SI Eagles Today
Baun comes from a Wisconsin program that has produced some stellar linebackers in recent years, including former Eagles undrafted free agent T.J. Edwards, Andrew Van Ginkel, and T.J. Watt. Baun said Edwards, now with the Chicago Bears, is one of his best friends and they spend the offseason working out together.
“I played with him,” he said. “He kind of took me under his wing. I was a grade below him. He took me under his wing and saw him go off to the NFL and do great things and I’m trying to do that, too.
“He told me I would love this city, had a big old smile on his face, and had nothing but good things to say about the people here, the organization, and the team.”
Baun played the most defensive snaps of his career a season ago, logging 301 (27 percent) while his special team reps remained high. Special teams are what has earned him his NFL paychecks, and he’s cool with that.
“Special teams gave me an opportunity in this league,” he said. “I’m an effort and energy guy and that’s what it takes to play special teams. I don’t think that’ll ever leave me as long as I’m in the NFL.”
When he was used on defense last year, Baun said teammates such as Cam Jordan and Carl Granderson helped.
“Cam was on sideline teaching me moves, like set him up with this, do this, so supportive and so encouraging,” said Baun. “In my time in New Orleans, they knew I could pass rush, they saw it. But I never got the opportunity, so when I did get the opportunity, they were excited for me.:
Baun said he felt some frustration waiting to show what he could do rushing the passer.
“I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t, but I just put my head down and kept working and if I didn’t get opportunities on the edge, I’d get them elsewhere on special teams outside linebacker, and work on my craft that way,” he said.
Despite his limited time on defense, Baun still found a way to collect 20 solo tackles, four tackles for loss, four quarterback hits, and two sacks.
Exactly what he will be for the Eagles will be learned once training camp opens in July.
