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New York Giants: Inside Linebackers To Consider In 2017 NFL Draft

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) communicates at the line of scrimmage during the fourth quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) communicates at the line of scrimmage during the fourth quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-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 /

Zach Cunningham, Vanderbilt Commodores

Age: 22 (12/12/1994)
Height & Weight: 6’4″ & 230 pounds
2016 Season Statistics: 13 GP, 125 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 2 fumbles forced, 4 fumble recoveries

Though he may not have attended a traditional powerhouse, Zach Cunningham ranked amongst the best linebackers in the SEC. That alone is reason to evaluate game film and determine just how well his game translates to the NFL—and dominant defense in the SEC usually translates.

Cunningham is likely to turn heads at the NFL Draft Combine, but until then, the game film doesn’t lie: he has the talent to be special.

Cunningham was everywhere for the Vanderbilt Commodores in 2016, recording an SEC-best 125 total tackles. His ability to cover ground against the run borders on being elite, as evidenced by his 16.5 tackles for loss—No. 3 in the SEC.

Some are afraid that Cunningham isn’t yet ready to play in the NFL, but he’d be the perfect player for Steve Spagnuolo to develop at middle linebacker.

It’s tough to find linebackers who have Cunningham’s combination of size, athleticism, and instincts as a tackler. He needs to polish his game fundamentally, but he’s flashed consistent signs of brilliance.

If the Giants are going to overcome the challenges that face them in the NFC East, having a linebacker like Cunningham will be crucial.

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