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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Defense rules the day

By Brad Weiss

Oct 15, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive tackle Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates after a tackle in the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins in a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive tackle Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates after a tackle in the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins in a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-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 made it to the AFC Championship Game last season, only to be throttled by the New England Patriots. This offseason, there were major questions as to what their roster would look like, as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was thinking about retiring. However, Big Ben is back for another go in 2017, and with Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell back in the fold, this Steelers team should be a favorite to be back in the playoffs once again.

While the offense is certain to be loaded once again this season, there are a lot of question marks on defense. The team did sign star linebacker James Harrison to a new two-year deal, but he is definitely getting up there in age. Pittsburgh needs to bring in someone who is going to take the mantle from Harrison, and Vanderbilt’s Zach Cunningham certainly fits the mold.

Cunningham is an incredible athlete, and someone who loves to come up and make the big hit. He is also very long, which means he covers a lot of space on the defensive side of the ball. The Steelers need to get better on defense this offseason, and grabbing a linebacker of Cunningham’s caliber in the first round is a good step in the right direction.

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