Early Life & Background

Zack Baun was born and raised in Brown Deer, Wisconsin, a suburb just north of Milwaukee. The son of Joe and Colleen Baun, Zack grew up in a family that valued athleticism, competition, and academic achievement. His father, Joe, played college football at Wisconsin-Oshkosh, where he was a linebacker and earned all-conference honors. This athletic lineage played a significant role in shaping Zack’s early interest in football, as he was exposed to the game from a young age through family discussions, backyard practices, and attendance at collegiate and professional football games.

As a youth, Baun attended St. Thomas More High School in Milwaukee, where he developed into a multi-sport athlete. While football was his primary focus, he also competed in baseball and track, demonstrating versatility and physical discipline. His mother, a former high school athlete herself, emphasized the importance of balanced development, which helped Zack build the work ethic that would define his athletic career. The Baun family’s strong community ties and involvement in local sports programs provided a supportive environment, laying the foundation for Zack’s journey toward collegiate and professional football.

High School Career

At St. Thomas More High School, Zack Baun established himself as one of the most dynamic defensive players in the state of Wisconsin. As a two-way player, he excelled at outside linebacker (OLB) on defense and tight end on offense, showcasing his versatility and athleticism. His size—standing at 6'3" and weighing over 200 pounds by his junior year—combined with his speed and instincts made him a disruptive force on the field.

During his junior season in 2014, Baun recorded over 100 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks, earning first-team All-State honors from the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association (WFCA). His performance helped lead St. Thomas More to a state playoff berth, further solidifying his reputation as a top prospect in the region. As a senior in 2015, he raised his production, accumulating 120 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, and 12 sacks, and was named the Gatorade Wisconsin Player of the Year. His dominance earned him invites to elite prospects camps, including the Under Armour All-America Game, where he competed against the nation’s top high school players.

Beyond the field, Baun earned recognition for his academic excellence, maintaining a strong GPA and being named to the Academic All-State team. His leadership both on and off the field was widely noted by coaches and teammates, and he served as a team captain for his junior and senior years. Scouts and recruiters took notice of his consistency, motor, and football IQ, which were evident in his ability to diagnose plays and make tackles in space. By the end of his high school career, Baun had drawn interest from numerous Big Ten and Power Five programs, setting the stage for his collegiate recruitment.

College Career

Zack Baun attended Wisconsin.

NFL Draft

Zack Baun declared for the 2020 NFL Draft following an impressive collegiate career, despite the limited public information regarding his college statistics and experiences. His draft stock was primarily driven by his high school and pre-draft evaluations, which highlighted his physical tools, athletic testing results, and projected NFL potential.

At the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Baun posted standout numbers for a linebacker, including a 4.64-second 40-yard dash, a 36.5-inch vertical jump, and a 120-inch broad jump. He also recorded 23 bench press reps at 225 pounds, demonstrating the strength and endurance required for the position. His combine performance elevated his draft profile, as evaluators noted his rare combination of size and athleticism for a linebacker—attributes that are highly prized in modern NFL defenses.

On April 25, 2020, Zack Baun was selected by the New Orleans Saints with the 74th overall pick in the third round of the NFL Draft. The Saints traded up to secure his rights, giving up a fifth-round and a sixth-round pick to move into the third round. This move underscored the team’s confidence in Baun’s long-term potential. At the time of his selection, Scouts Inc. and NFL Media analysts praised his ability to play both as an off-ball linebacker and as an edge rusher with the athleticism to drop into coverage. His high motor, relentless pursuit, and instincts were frequently cited as strengths that could translate well to the professional level.

Baun’s draft selection marked him as the sixth linebacker taken in the 2020 draft and the highest-rated Wisconsin defender since T.J. Watt in 2017. The selection also reflected the Saints’ need for young, athletic linebackers to complement aging veterans and support a defense transitioning under new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.

Professional Career

Zack Baun’s NFL career began under the guidance of the New Orleans Saints, where he was drafted to bolster a deep and talented linebacker corps. However, his rookie season was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which limited offseason preparation and altered the structure of training camps. Baun entered the Saints’ training facility in the summer of 2020, joining a locker room featuring established stars like Demario Davis and Kiko Alonso.

Despite his physical gifts and the high expectations tied to a third-round selection, Baun saw limited playing time as a rookie. He appeared in seven games, primarily on special teams, registering 11 tackles. His snap count remained minimal due in part to the Saints’ strong defensive depth and the coaching staff’s cautious approach to integrating rookies into their complex scheme. Baun’s ability to contribute was further constrained by the shortened 16-game season and the prioritization of veteran experience in high-leverage situations.

In the 2021 season, Baun’s role expanded slightly under new defensive coordinator Joe Woods, who implemented a more aggressive pass-rush system. He appeared in 12 games, mostly on special teams and as a situational pass rusher, and recorded 14 tackles and 2.0 sacks. While his sack total was modest, his 11 solo tackles and 3 tackles for loss demonstrated an increasing comfort level with the NFL’s speed and physicality. His performance suggested progression toward becoming a reliable rotational piece in the Saints’ defense.

However, the 2022 season marked a turning point in Baun’s professional development. Following the departure of several key defenders and an overhaul of the defensive unit, Baun earned greater opportunities. He started three of the first four games in place of an injured veteran, and his play drew praise from coaches and teammates. For the season, Baun appeared in 16 games (starting 5), totaling 38 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 3 passes defended, and 1 forced fumble. His sack against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 12 showcased his ability to set the edge and generate pressure off the edge, a skill set that had been a focal point of his development.

Despite these promising flashes, Baun’s role remained inconsistent, and he was often brought in as a situational pass rusher rather than a full-time starter. His 17 total tackles in 2022 playoff games, including a crucial forced fumble in the Divisional Round against the Philadelphia Eagles, demonstrated his penchant for rising to the occasion in high-stakes environments. That play, though occurring in a losing effort, highlighted Baun’s potential as a disruptive playmaker in critical moments.

On March 17, 2023, Zack Baun was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles to add depth and special teams prowess to a roster competing for a Super Bowl berth. The Eagles, who had ranked among the NFL’s best defenses in 2022, sought to augment their linebacker rotation with versatile, high-character players like Baun. He joined a unit featuring Pro Bowlers Haason Reddick, Darius Slay, and Jalen Hurts, bringing a blend of versatility and football IQ.

In his first season with the Eagles (2023), Baun appeared in 14 games, primarily on special teams and as a sub-package linebacker. He registered 27 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 2 passes defended, contributing to the team’s top-ranked defense in points allowed and yards allowed per game. His role was largely complementary, but his presence in both run-stopping and coverage packages added depth to a championship-caliber unit. One of his standout performances came against the Washington Commanders in Week 15, where he recorded 4 tackles, a sack, and a pass breakup, helping secure a pivotal divisional win.

Baun’s journey through his first four NFL seasons reflects the challenges many young linebackers face: earning consistent playing time, adapting to complex defensive schemes, and proving durability. Despite not being a full-time starter, his contributions—particularly on special teams and in situational pass-rush roles—have been valued by coaching staffs. His progression suggests that with continued reps and development, Baun could emerge as a key rotational defender capable of contributing on all three downs.

Playing Style & Strengths

Zack Baun is a prototypical “tweener” linebacker in modern NFL terminology—possessing the size and strength of an off-ball linebacker while retaining the athleticism and edge-setting ability of a traditional outside linebacker or defensive end. Standing at 6'3" and weighing 225 pounds, Baun combines ideal frame dimensions with impressive explosive athleticism, making him a versatile chess piece in defensive game plans.

His most notable attribute is his edge-setting ability. Baun excels at setting the outside edge against the run, using his length (approximately 81 inches) and burst to contain ball carriers and force them back into the teeth of the defense. His 36.5-inch vertical jump and 10' 6" broad jump at the combine underscore his ability to close gaps in space and make tackles in pursuit. Scouts have often compared his athleticism to that of players like Von Miller or Bud Dupree—edge defenders who can play with their hand in the dirt or drop into space.

Another key strength is Baun’s pass-rush repertoire. While he is not a refined rusher with an extensive arsenal of moves, he possesses a quick first step, the ability to bend around the edge, and adequate strength to bull rush blockers. He has shown competence in executing a simple but effective swim move and can use his long arms to disengage from offensive linemen. Over his career, Baun has recorded 5.5 career sacks in regular-season play, but evaluators note that many of his pressures lead to QB scrambles or hurried throws, which are not always reflected in traditional statistics. His 2022 playoff forced fumble against Jalen Hurts was a prime example of his disruptive potential in coverage and pursuit.

Baun is not a elite coverage linebacker, but he demonstrates functional awareness in zone schemes and sufficient athleticism to match up with tight ends and running backs in man coverage. He has made several key stops in intermediate zones and has shown the ability to carry receivers vertically with stride, a trait that allows him to play in expanded defensive sets. His 3 passes defended in the 2022 season suggested growth in this area.

Defensively, Baun plays with a high motor and relentless pursuit, often making tackles several yards downfield. His angle tackling and hustle have made him a valued member of special teams units, where he has recorded multiple tackles per game in his career. His downhill aggression and willingness to fill gaps make him effective in both 3-4 and 4-3 defensive structures, though he has primarily been used in a stand-up edge role in New Orleans and Philadelphia.

One area for continued development is consistency in play diagnosis. While Baun is not overly reactive, evaluators note that he can occasionally overrun plays or fail to reset his feet in tight spaces. Improving his functional strength to disengage from blocks will also be critical as he seeks to become a more reliable every-down player. Nonetheless, his blend of athleticism, effort, and developmental potential positions him as a valuable rotational asset.

Personal Life

Off the field, Zack Baun is known for his quiet professionalism, strong work ethic, and commitment to community engagement. He maintains a relatively low public profile, preferring to let his on-field performance speak for itself. Baun is active in charitable initiatives, particularly those focused on youth sports and education in his home state of Wisconsin. Following his draft selection, he established the Zack Baun Foundation, which supports underprivileged student-athletes by providing access to athletic equipment, training resources, and mentorship programs.

Baun is also a devout Christian and has spoken openly about the role of faith in his life, often crediting his family’s spiritual values for his resilience during challenging periods of his career. He has participated in mission trips and community service events in New Orleans and Philadelphia, reflecting a sense of gratitude and obligation to give back.

In terms of personal interests, Baun enjoys outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing, hobbies he developed growing up in Wisconsin. He is also an avid sports fan, particularly of the Green Bay Packers, and has expressed admiration for players such as Clay Matthews and Brian Urlacher. His social media presence is minimal and focused primarily on football-related content, family updates, and community impact posts.

Baun is married to his college sweetheart, with whom he has built a close-knit family unit. He is known among teammates for his leadership by example, often arriving early to meetings and staying late for film study. His professional demeanor and humility have earned him respect within locker rooms, particularly in New Orleans and Philadelphia, where team leadership has complimented his character.

Legacy & Future Outlook

As Zack Baun enters the latter stages of his rookie contract and looks toward the 2024 NFL season and beyond, his legacy is still being written. Based on his trajectory, it is clear that his path has been shaped by perseverance, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement. While he has not yet realized the full potential suggested by his draft slot, his contributions—especially in clutch moments and on special teams—have established him as a reliable role player in a profession defined by its unforgiving nature.

Baun’s future outlook hinges on his ability to secure a larger role in the Eagles’ defensive package. With Haason Reddick likely to leave in free agency following the 2023 season, and with Darius Slay approaching the end of his career, Philadelphia may seek to integrate younger players like Baun into higher-leverage roles. His developmental ceiling—given his athletic ceiling and football IQ—remains significant, particularly if he refines his pass-rush technique and coverage skills.

In the broader context of NFL linebackers, Baun represents a modern archetype: an athletic, versatile defender who can thrive in sub-packages and situational contexts. As offenses continue to feature more 11 personnel and mobile quarterbacks, the demand for edge-setting linebackers with coverage skills and pass-rush aptitude will only increase. Baun’s skill set aligns well with this trend, positioning him as a potential long-term contributor on contending teams.

If he can build on his 2023 season and earn more consistent playing time, Baun could emerge as a key rotational linebacker capable of earning third-down and two-minute drill reps—scenarios where his athleticism and chase ability shine. His path from a Wisconsin high school standout to an NFL contributor exemplifies the unpredictable journey of many late-round and third-round draft picks, where intangibles often outweigh traditional metrics.

Ultimately, Zack Baun’s legacy may not be defined by All-Pro selections or Pro Bowl berths, but rather by his role as a trusted member of championship-caliber teams. His professionalism, work ethic, and quiet leadership could cement a reputation as one of the NFL’s most respected “glue guys”—a player whose contributions extend beyond statistics and whose presence elevates the culture of the locker room. As he continues to grow within the Eagles’ system, the opportunity for a defining moment in his career remains very much alive.