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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Wild Card Edition

By Tyler Brooke

Nov 12, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) carries the ball as Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Desmond King (14) defends during the first half at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) carries the ball as Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Desmond King (14) defends during the first half at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 19, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores inside linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) is congratulated by teammates after a fumble recovery during the second half against the Mississippi Rebels at Vanderbilt Stadium. Vanderbilt won 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores inside linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) is congratulated by teammates after a fumble recovery during the second half against the Mississippi Rebels at Vanderbilt Stadium. Vanderbilt won 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
17

Zach Cunningham

LB, Vanderbilt

The Washington Redskins offense has started to come together, but there are still plenty of holes to address in the defense. In all honesty, Washington could look at just about any defensive unit with their first-round pick, but inside linebacker might be the best move.

I wasn’t as high on Vanderbilt inside linebacker Zach Cunningham as others earlier in the season, but it’s hard to argue with his production and overall play on film. Cunningham does a great job of recognizing plays and shedding blockers to get to the ball carrier. I don’t carry too much weight with stats, especially tackles, but 125 combined tackles including 16.5 for loss is tough to ignore.

Cunningham does have some issues with missing tackles and taking bad angles, but he has such a high motor that he’s in on the play almost every single time. He also has a fairly awkward stance, although I’m not sure if that’s more of a problem as it is weird to watch on film.

That kind of activity is hard to ignore, and it’s why someone like Washington will have no problem drafting him in the first round. Even if Washington doesn’t draft Cunningham, someone will be waiting to pick him up shortly after.

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