2017 NFL Mock Draft: Bears and Colts Shake Up Top 5

31. Their narrow loss to the Washington Redskin hurt but the New York Giants are still 2-1 and look like a team that can make a playoff run. As usual the offense leads the way with Eli Manning and Odell Beckham Jr. However they may not be alone this season. The defense has shown notable strides thanks to their spending spree in free agency and use of their first-round pick on corner Eli Apple. It’s a unit that should get better as the season goes on. Especially if injuries can be avoided. <p>By far their most underwhelming position has to be linebacker. This isn’t the Giants of the 1980s, that’s for sure. It’s not even the Giants of the 2000s. New York is leaning on guys like Devon Kennard, Kelvin Sheppard and Jonathan Casillas. Not exactly a who’s-who of NFL linebackers. The lack of playmaking skill is what hurts the most, putting more pressure on the defensive line and secondary to shoulder the load. It’s something the team has to correct.</p> <p>Vanderbilt isn’t usually known for producing top draft prospects, but sometimes they can unearth a gem or two. Zach Cunningham is one of those rare exceptions. A linebacker who is not only big (6-foot-3) but also athletic and fast for his size. He’s comfortable in space and shows the instinct to know where the ball is going and attacks it. Best of all he’s proven himself a nuisance for quarterbacks in coverage. A guy who will never have to come off the field.</p>. OLB. Vanderbilt. Zach Cunningham . 21. player