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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Dalvin Cook makes his case

By Brad Weiss

Nov 19, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) carries the ball during the first quarter of a game against the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) carries the ball during the first quarter of a game against the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 12, 2016; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers running back Damarea Crockett (16) runs the ball and is tackled by Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) during the second half at Faurot Field. Missouri won 26-17. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers running back Damarea Crockett (16) runs the ball and is tackled by Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) during the second half at Faurot Field. Missouri won 26-17. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

19. player. 55. . LB. Vanderbilt. Zach Cunningham

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been one of the more consistent teams in the league for the past decade, although as it stands now, they would not be a playoff team in 2016. They have had to deal with a ton of issues this season, though when they are together as a unit, they can beat any team in the league. They have looked a bit old on the defensive side of the ball, however, and need to inject some young talent into their linebacking corps.

That player should be Zach Cunningham of Vanderbilt, who is one of the more exciting players in college football. Cunningham has an incredible nose for the ball, and can make plays from sideline to sidelines. He has a motor that just won’t quit, and would be a perfect fit for the Steel City. The Steelers are set with playmakers on the offensive side of the ball, so adding a quality backer will be of utmost importance next April.

It is only Week 12, and the Steelers and division-leading Baltimore actually have the same record. Pittsburgh could easily be picking later in round one when all is said and done, and by then, Cunningham will likely be off the board. Star linebacker James Harrison is likely done after this year, so bringing in another hard-hitting backer would be a nice bridge to the next decade of solid linebacker play inside Heinz Field.

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