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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Jets go quarterback

By Brad Weiss

Sep 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) in game action against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Texas A&M won 45-24. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) in game action against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Texas A&M won 45-24. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-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 /
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Zach Cunningham

ILB, Vanderbilt

While their loss in the AFC Championship Game was pretty embarrassing, the Pittsburgh Steelers have to be happy with their 2016 NFL season. They were able to shake off a handful of injuries, and suspensions, and eventually brought home another AFC North title. While quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has not committed to coming back in 2017, he is likely going to do so, giving the Steelers a dominant offensive unit once again.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Steelers are getting older, and they need to inject some young talent into their unit. Zach Cunningham of Vanderbilt is a nice looking prospect, who has the size and strength to play any of the linebacker positions. He is one of the best inside linebackers in this draft, and that is exactly a position the team needs to upgrade heading into the 2017 season.

Some experts have Cunningham going earlier in the first round, so he may very well be gone by the time the Steelers pick this late in round one. However, if he is available, he would give the Steelers their next dominating middle linebacker in their storied history. Mike Tomlin loves players like Cunningham, and the Steelers faithful will love him too once they see the way he attacks a game on the field.

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