6. Zach Cunningham, linebacker, Vanderbilt
In today’s NFL game, a linebacker’s ability to drop back into pass coverage cannot be overvalued. Of all the linebackers heading into the 2017 NFL Draft, Cunningham is the best of the bunch in this department.
A guy who didn’t fly down the track at the combine (4.67-second 40) he plays with the frenetic energy of a hydrogen electron when pads are strapped to his frame. Though he’s not the best linebacker out there in terms of taking on blockers, shedding them to make tackles at the line of scrimmage, Cunningham’s ability to fly to the ball on running plays in addition to his coverage skills will make him an instant impact player at the next level.
The past two years at Vandy, Cunningham piled up 213 tackles, 4.5 sacks and 30.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage. He also forced five fumbles, came up with seven fumble recoveries and defended four passes.
Because of guys like Reuben Foster, Hassan Reddick and Jarrad Davis, Cunningham is likely going to be a Day 2 pick in the upcoming draft. Those players have also overshadowed him in a huge way, and he deserves a bit more respect than he’s getting.