Giants showing interest in Wisconsin linebacker Zack Baun

The New York Giants have a clear, obvious, and ongoing need for help at linebacker.

That need for not only capable depth but legitimate starters only got highlighted more when the Giants made the decision to release starting MIKE linebacker Alec Ogletree. With that in mind, it only makes sense that the Giants would show interest in a player like Zack Baun, who is one of the top linebacker prospects in the upcoming draft.

Wisconsin held its Pro Day on Wednesday, and of course the Giants were in attendance. What got our attention was the fact that outside linebackers coach Bret Bielema was on hand and showing some serious interest in Baun.

After the workout was over, Baun revealed that he met with the Giants’ contingent on Tuesday night.

Baun said that he and Bielema watched film together as well.

An interesting subtext to the Giants’ interest in Baun is that he has been working out as an inside or off-ball linebacker throughout the process. Baun was an outside linebacker or EDGE in Wisconsin’s defense, and that is a position at which the Giants need help as well.

It could be meaningful that the Giants sent their outside linebackers coach to meet with and work out Baun. Or Bielema could have gone to Wisconsin due to his connections with the school as their former head coach. Either way, it is something to keep in mind.

As of now, Baun is considered to be a late first or early second round prospect, ranking 27th on The Draft Network’s big board and 38th on Daniel Jeremiah’s latest Top-50 list of prospects. Baun’s versatility to potentially play EDGE or off-ball linebacker could appeal to defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, who reportedly wants to run a “multiple” and fluid defensive scheme. Baun could be a target for the Giants at the top of the second round or potentially in the event they execute a trade back.