March 27, 2026, 8:23 p.m. ET
The New England Patriots had the chance to select former Super Bowl champion linebacker Zack Baun in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Joshua Uche was the Patriots’ desired linebacker prospect with the No. 60 overall pick. Uche agreed to a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins on March 11.
The 27-year-old has enjoyed a six-year career in the NFL. He went for 11.5 sacks in 2022 as a member of the Patriots. Outside of that one season, Uche was never able to maintain that level of play, despite multiple years in New England. He followed that career-high season up with only three sacks in 2023 and two sacks in 2024 before being traded.
Having started in only four of the 76 games that he’s played in the league, New England had the chance to select a player with accolades to show for over Uche back in 2020.
New selection: LB Zack Baun (Philadelphia Eagles)
No. 74 overall pick in 2020 – New Orleans Saints
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Baun has established himself as one of the best linebackers in the NFL. He was named First-Team All-Pro in 2024 as a member of the Eagles. Baun won that season’s Super Bowl with Philadelphia. The Wisconsin product ranked No. 2 in the NFL in forced fumbles in 2025 with five. He’s collected four interceptions and 22 tackles for loss in the last three seasons.
The Patriots clearly missed out on a player who could have been a cornerstone piece on their defense for years to come. Baun’s 83.0 overall Pro Football Focus grade ranked fifth out of 88 qualifying linebackers for the 2025 NFL season.
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