How is Baun different? (1 Viewer)

[rsmith2783]

So when we picked Zack Baun, I immediately thought about Davis Tull & Hau'oli Kikaha.

I can't remember if Davis ever played a down for us and I know Kikaha got the short end of the stick due to philosophy changes and injuries.

Zack Baun is around the same size as Tull & Kikaha, so what makes him different? Of course we really do not know, but does anything stand out to you that's better than Tull & Kikaha?
For me it appears he has better speed.

 

[Consigliere]

Ireland picked him.

 

[mondoburger]

He’s better at football and has slightly less lengthy injury history

 

[Noble Saint]

Were those other guys offensive players of the year in high school in their state? This guy sounds like a real athlete.

 

[rsmith2783]

Ireland picked him.

Well that's one difference

 

[rsmith2783]

Were those other guys offensive players of the year in high school in their state? This guy sounds like a real athlete.

I couldn't find it on their draft profile. Baun's speed looks different though.

 

[Epic Brownie]

Your primary argument is same size = same production?

 

[No2DC]

Time will tell. Ireland has done a good job of adding quality depth to our secondary in the mid-rounds since he's been here. Historically, most stars seem to come from the 1st two rounds, so we'll see.

 

[Belfast Saint]

No expert but I think the main difference is both Tull and Kikaha were more limited as pass rushers. Kikaha wasn't great in coverage when he played for us and it wasn't something he did a lot of at Washington I think. Tull never really made it on to the field for us in any meaningful way, and if I recall correctly was really only used as an undersized in line pass rusher. Baun is much more versatile and can cover or rush, doing both very well.

Physically, all three more or less the same size. Tull was off the charts in terms of explosive athleticism but stiff/straight line, Kikaha was less explosive. Baun isn't as explosive as Tull, more similar to Kikaha, but certainly faster than Kikaha.

Kikaha and to a lesser extent Tull had more of an injury history. Lack of position flexibility and injuries limited both ultimately.

 

[rsmith2783]

Your primary argument is same size = same production?

I'm curious on how he's different.

So if you look at the other two profiles, the scouts mention that their size could be an issue at the next level. For Tull & Baun they mention how they could have issues with long-arm tackles. Kikaha brought energy, but was limited with injuries and it was over once they tried to switch him to a full time DE.

 

[rsmith2783]

No expert but I think the main difference is both Tull and Kikaha were more limited as pass rushers. Kikaha wasn't great in coverage when he played for us and it wasn't something he did a lot of at Washington I think. Tull never really made it on to the field for us in any meaningful way, and if I recall correctly was really only used as an undersized in line pass rusher. Baun is much more versatile and can cover or rush, doing both very well.

Physically, all three more or less the same size. Tull was off the charts in terms of explosive athleticism but stiff/straight line, Kikaha was less explosive. Baun isn't as explosive as Tull, more similar to Kikaha, but certainly faster than Kikaha.

Kikaha and to a lesser extent Tull had more of an injury history. Lack of position flexibility and injuries limited both ultimately.

Great insight! I think this sums is up perfectly.

 

[Billgluckman]

So when we picked Zack Baun, I immediately thought about Davis Tull & Hau'oli Kikaha.

I can't remember if Davis ever played a down for us and I know Kikaha got the short end of the stick due to philosophy changes and injuries.

Zack Baun is around the same size as Tull & Kikaha, so what makes him different? Of course we really do not know, but does anything stand out to you that's better than Tull & Kikaha?
For me it appears he has better speed.

If you go to YouTube and search “Zack Baun vs” you’ll get college tape. I’m not paid to recognize talent, but when I watched him all I could think of was kikaha.

I’m not saying it was the wrong pick. It’s impossible to tell at this point, but I haven’t seen what others are raving about.

 

[Belfast Saint]

I'm curious on how he's different.

So if you look at the other two profiles, the scouts mention that their size could be an issue at the next level. For Tull & Baun they mention how they could have issues with long-arm tackles. Kikaha brought energy, but was limited with injuries and it was over once they tried to switch him to a full time DE.

Yeah, both Tull and Kikaha were tweeners with intriguing traits - Tull his athleticism and Kikaha his production. Too small to be full time rushers, neither capable of being effective in coverage off the ball.

Baun is different. He rushed a lot because he was good at it (12.5 sacks) but also very good in coverage either from the line standing up or off the ball.

Essentially, Baun is the next in line from TJ Watt and Vince Biegel from Wisconsin. Baun is probably a better rusher than Biegel, but won't be as good as Watt. And should hopefully be better off the ball than both. [and I admit, I'm still a bit miffed we traded Biegel away - was never going to be a plus starter, but just a solid and versatile guy to have on your team as a backup LB/DE and ST]

 

[TheSaint619]

If you go to YouTube and search “Zack Baun vs” you’ll get college tape. I’m not paid to recognize talent, but when I watched him all I could think of was kikaha.

I’m not saying it was the wrong pick. It’s impossible to tell at this point, but I haven’t seen what others are raving about.

Kikaha had great tape in college. Remember he was the sack master of his draft class. His main issue was injury.

 

[CTSaint]

If you go to YouTube and search “Zack Baun vs” you’ll get college tape. I’m not paid to recognize talent, but when I watched him all I could think of was kikaha.

I’m not saying it was the wrong pick. It’s impossible to tell at this point, but I haven’t seen what others are raving about.

Did Kikaha dropped back in coverage & felt comfortable?


But you're right on the fact that we don't know how he'll turn out.

Here's a good vid on why I think he'll develop into our own Clay Matthews.