This Saints Player is a Surprise Breakout Candidate for 2020

There are few true unknowns when it comes to the offense for the New Orleans Saints. Drew Brees is an all-time quarterback, Alvin Kamara is an incredible playmaker in the backfield and Michael Thomas is arguably the league's best receiver, not to mention the dual threat of Taysom Hill. Defense, however, is more of an open scenario, but a new draftee may be a leading man this season despite not yet being any kind of household name.

New Orleans took an aggressive approach in the 2020 NFL Draft, trading up to draft key rookies, including Zack Baun, a Wisconsin linebacker who unexpectedly slipped. The Saints came in to steal him away, and their fans should be happy about the decision.

Baun has incredible talent for a third-round pick, with awareness in pass defense and incredible speed as a pass-rusher. That is, of course, because he was once a lineman. Just check out this edge rush against Michigan.

Baun also comes into New Orleans amid a perfect storm. Former Saint AJ Klein was sent away to Buffalo, while would-be competitor Kiko Alonso has been riddled with injuries. Baun has the talent to fill so many different roles on the field, and knowing how much the Saints value versatility, he will fit right in with their mentality.

The Saints aggressively pursued Baun for a reason. That was not to place him on the bench but to make him a focal point of the defense. Despite not having yet stepped foot onto an NFL field, Baun is due for a successful career, and 2020 will be the start of it.