New Orleans Saints: 3 reasons why Zack Baun can replace Kiko Alonso

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 30: Zack Baun #56 of the Wisconsin Badgers tackles Shannon Brooks #4 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the second quarter of the game at TCF Bank Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

Number One: Age

Zack Baun comes into his rookie season at age 23 with unlimited potential and a fresh start.

Kiko Alonso, however, will be 30 in August and struggled to stay on the field in 2019. Baun is the youthful, physical specimen the Saints have needed to pair up alongside Demario Davis on the defense.

In theory, the Saints would love to have the perfect mix of veterans to young guys on the defense, but if you look at who the team already has you can tell they pretty much have that at every position.

Malcolm Jenkins and Janoris Jenkins provide leadership to the secondary, Demario Davis and Kiko Alonso provide mentorship to the linebackers, and Cam Jordan and Malcom Brown anchor down the defensive line.

The Saints have seemingly been evening out the number of veterans to young talent to play on the defensive side ball, but all signs point to Baun being named a starting outside linebacker for the team in 2020.

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