While Zack Baun is entering his seventh year in the NFL, he has only spent the past two years playing his position.

The former Wisconsin Badger first played as an outside linebacker when he was drafted in 2020 by the Saints, flexing between being an edge and off-ball linebacker. After four seasons in New Orleans, Baun signed with the Eagles in 2024 and had a breakout year. Baun was converted to inside linebacker in Philadelphia, earning first-team All-Pro honors as well as being a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year.

However, Baun will once again find himself in an unfamiliar situation this season. The past two years, he lined up with fellow linebacker Nakobe Dean beside him. Now, Baun will be without the player who helped teach him the ins-and-outs of inside linebacker as Dean left the team in the offseason.

"It hurt to see him leave, but I'm happy to watch him go and I know he's going to succeed wherever he is," Baun said. "I thank him from the bottom of my heart."

While the Eagles will be losing a leader on the defensive side of the ball in Dean, Baun is confident that there are players who can fill that void, himself included. "Jordan Davis, myself, Cooper DeJean, Quinyon Mitchell. All the starters can take ownership in that leadership in the locker room, on the field and take charge, just as Nakobe did," said Baun, a first-time captain in 2025.

Once the student, the 2024 Butkus Award winner has now become the premier leader in the linebacker room. "It's been really cool thinking about how I'm the veteran teaching the younger guy little things," Baun said.

When Jihaad Campbell was first adjusting to the NFL and most importantly, Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio's install meetings last year, Baun noticed the rookie was struggling to keep notes with a paper and pencil. Baun took Campbell under his wing, ensuring he got an iPad and talked him through the note-taking process.

"Just teaching small things like that I think are really influential to [Campbell] and his growth and development," Baun said. "You saw growth all throughout the season, so I'm really excited for him this upcoming season."

Entering his third year in Fangio's defensive scheme, the veteran linebacker himself has continued to grow, particularly in communication. "I feel I'm worried less now about what my responsibility is and can really hone into what the offense is doing," Baun said. "Being able to implement myself in ways that is outside my position and my realm has been really cool."

Looking ahead, Baun is excited for what the Eagles' defense could be next season, one reason being the new additions. Cornerback Riq Woolen made plays all throughout the offseason and caught Baun's eye back when he first entered the facility. "I remember seeing him when he came in to sign. I'm like, 'That guy is tall,'" Baun said of Woolen. "Super fast, super smooth. Watching him work out is incredible and the things he can do on the field, his attitude ... It'll fit really well for this defense."

Baun is also looking forward to being reunited with outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard who he went through the draft process with. "I know the things he can do on the field and the things he can bring to this defense. I'm super excited," Baun said of his new teammate.

Aside from the changes to personnel and development of the younger players in the locker room, a large reason for Baun's excitement lies in Fangio and his system.

"I feel he's taking things to the next level this year," Baun said about his defensive coordinator. "Even with his own scheme, he continues to develop and tweak and change."

Baun, having grown into his role under Fangio, now leads one of the youngest defensive rosters in the league.

"He's a hard-nosed, old school football coach, Baun said. "If you're willing to learn and listen to what he has to say, it could be really good for you and I think it's been really good for this defense." – Written by Caroline Connor