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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Patrick Mahomes on the rise

By Brad Weiss

Oct 24, 2015; Norman, OK, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Patrick Mahomes (5) looks to pass the ball against the Oklahoma Sooners during the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2015; Norman, OK, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Patrick Mahomes (5) looks to pass the ball against the Oklahoma Sooners during the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-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

LB, Vanderbilt

The Pittsburgh Steelers had all three offensive stars healthy for the playoffs in 2016, but it still did not lead to them making it to the Super Bowl. Wide receiver Antonio Brown, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, and running back Le’Veon Bell all played huge parts in the Steelers very successful season, but it was their defense that could not get the job done in the AFC Championship Game. While Bell left the game early due to injury, it was the team’s inability to stop Tom Brady and company that ultimately led them one game short of their ultimate goal.

As the team heads to the offseason, both Bell and Roethlisberger have question marks around them. Bell will likely be given the franchise tag, as both he and the Steelers want to continue their relationship. Big Ben has flirted with the idea of retiring, but I do not believe any writer really believes that will happen. If all three come back for 2017, the Steelers should be right back in the thick of things in the AFC, and now they must improve their defense.

James Harrison has long been the leader of the defense in Pittsburgh, but he is getting up there in age. The Steelers need to bring in some good young talent at linebacker for the future, and Zach Cunningham for Vanderbilt is loaded with talent. He has the ability to be a standout player in the NFL, possessing incredible strength and size for someone who plays the position. The Steelers need their next big defensive star, and Cunningham could be the answer.

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