All it takes it one gut feeling for a coach regarding a player.
For Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, all it took was five plays.
Speaking to reporters Thursday morning, and in front of a video made by ABC6's Jeff Skversky, Fangio explained the background behind the Eagles decision to originally sign linebacker Zack Baun to a one-year deal ahead of the 2024 season.
"Howie had a vision for him as an edge and special teams player for us," Fangio said "I watched him a couple of times during their (Saints) games, they would have the tight end come across, and he would back off and look like an inside linebacker.
"It only happened about five or six times, but the way he moved back there, I can't explain it. You watch 40 years of NFL film and inside linebackers and you think 'you know this guy could be an inside linebacker.'"
Baun played sparingly in New Orleans as a designed edge rusher. But those five to six plays Fangio saw him play as an inside linebacker gave him the idea of trying the former Wisconsin product out next to Nakobe Dean.
To say it worked out would be an understatement.
Baun became the first Eagles All-Pro linebacker in decades while recording over 150 tackles, five forced fumbles, three sacks, and an interception while leading the top ranked defense last season to a Super Bowl champion.
Baun returned to the Eagles by signing a three-year extension worth $51 million this offseason - ensuring Philadelphia's linebacker room will remain elite going into 2025.
Fangio will deserve credit for Baun's discovery and development. After all, if all it took is a gut feeling, then there may be more diamonds in the rough coming for the Eagles defense.
