Cleveland Browns: Grading the Monday Morning Quarterback mock draft

"41.  Zack Baun, LB, Wisconsin"

It almost seems logical, doesn’t it? To replace Joe Schobert a Wisconsin Badger, the Browns would take themselves another Wisconsin Badger. Zack Baun is a heck of a linebacker. Maybe on paper, not the perfect replacement for Schobert’s versatility but surely someone with the possibility to grow into such a position. Too often fans get caught up on incidentals like which side of the field a player lines upon. Whether it’s inside, outside or slightly off the ball in some Greg Williams-esque defensive scheme, Baun could be a viable starter from the jump at any of the three positions.

Buan has comparable stats to Schobert. Not as fast but just fast and just as nimble left to right. His quickness will be needed and could push for starting time as an outsider player, almost resembling how Schobert developed in the Browns system

Baun isn’t the highest-rated linebacker, nor is he the sexiest pick, but he’s the kind of pick that AFC North titles are won on. He’s accustomed to playing in the snow, against a lot of running games and knows what a stellar quarterback can do against a defense. The Big 10 is lousy with really good players at the position and Baun had to face JT Barrett and Justin Fields just from OSU alone.

Wisconsin was always one of the better defenses and Baun was the key player in many of those units. His leadership, and environmental experience, added on top of his skills, make him the perfect fit for the Browns.

Grade: B+
Not a perfect replacement for a Pro Bowler, but the best you’ll find.