Fansided

2017 NFL Mock Draft: Bears tap Deshaun Watson

By Brad Weiss

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
13 of 32
Next
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 /
13

Zach Cunningham

LB, Vanderbilt

The Arizona Cardinals played in the NFC Championship Game two seasons ago, and in 2016, they were expected to possibly take the next step forward. However, the team played inconsistent football throughout, and despite having one of the best running backs in the league, they failed to reach the playoffs. They will have their full roster back next season, as quarterback Carson Palmer committed to at least one more year in the desert.

While the offense should be formidable once again in 2017, the Cardinals need to make some upgrades on the defense if they hope to make it back to the playoffs. The linebacker group for the Cardinals is pretty weak, and they especially need some help on the inside. Zach Cunningham is an incredible specimen at the linebacker position, and would instant upgrade the Cardinals at the position.

Cunningham has the physical ability to play on the inside, as he is not afraid to come up and make the big play. He is also very long, and fast, possessing the ability to play from sideline to sideline. He was by far the best player on Vanderbilt’s defense last season, and despite the 2017 NFL draft class being loaded at linebacker, he has to be considered one of the top-2 on the inside within the group.

Home/NFL