21. Detroit Lions: Zach Cunningham, linebacker, Vanderbilt
My #NFLDraft top 5 LB:
1) Reuben Foster
2) Haason Reddick
3) Zach Cunningham
4) Jarrad Davis
5) Raekwon McMillan— Ron Clements (@Ron_Clements) April 15, 2017
Now that the Lions have moved on from DeAndre Levy they need another anchor at linebacker. While Cunningham has not generated a ton of buzz, we have him bordering on being a top-10 prospect in this draft. That’s how good he is. The Vandy product is someone that will fly to the ball on a consistent basis and is the best sideline-to-sideline backer in the entire draft. It’s a perfect fit for both the player and the team.
22. Miami Dolphins: Kevin King, cornerback, Washington
How much longer can Miami rely on the likes of Byron Maxwell and Xavien Howard on the outside before being exposed? Sure Maxwell played well last season and Howard has shown tremendous ability. But there’s still a talent vacuum to be filled here. Look for the Dolphins to find a cornerback of the future to team up with Howard moving forward. King is more of the press corner type, which would work well in this scheme initially.
23. New York Giants: Malik McDowell, defensive tackle, Michigan State
Untapped potential. That’s the one thing scouts continue to say about the 6-foot-6, 296-pound McDowell. He has elite physical traits and can be dominating at times. The Michigan State product has also failed to show up well on tape. In going to the Giants, he can learn from the likes of Jason Pierre-Paul and Olivier Vernon, potentially forming one of the best defensive lines in football.
24. Oakland Raiders: Reuben Foster, linebacker, Alabama
By now, the narrative is all set. When we add together Foster’s combine mishap, diluted drug test and injury concerns, there’s reason to believe he will fall out of the first round completely. But let’s be real here. The former Crimson Tide standout was considered a top-five lock just three months ago. He’s the second-best defensive players (on tape) in the draft. And he fills an immediate need for the Raiders at linebacker. Match made in heaven.