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2017 NFL Draft: Top 5 Off Ball Linebackers

By Tyler Dickson

Sep 3, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Raekwon McMillan (5) against the Bowling Green Falcons at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 77-10. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Raekwon McMillan (5) against the Bowling Green Falcons at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 77-10. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 8, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Stephen Johnson (15) runs the ball against Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) in the first half at Commonwealth Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Stephen Johnson (15) runs the ball against Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) in the first half at Commonwealth Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

Zach Cunningham – 6’3″ 234 lbs – Vanderbilt

Zach Cunningham burst on to the scene his redshirt freshman season and didn’t look back. He became the leader and focal point of the Commodores defense reaching the pinnacle of his play this season as a junior. Cunningham was a 4 star recruit and ranked number 18th overall in the linebacking group in 2013.

Strengths:

Decent man coverage skills showing he can run with running backs and tight ends. Reacts to his keys quickly and directly. Flows with the blocker traffic and knows when to crash. Can play sideline to sideline with his speed and agility. Moves within his zone reacts efficiently a to stop the ball or limit yardage.

Attacks blocker with a variety of moves leaving some blockers in his wake at times. Some of his highlight plays are just ridiculous using his knowledge of the game and swift instincts. Long frame gives him a large tackle area. Comes downhill fast and can spill gaps for big plays.

Weaknesses:

Pad level. Doesn’t play with his pads in front of his knees so when he makes contact there is little force behind it. Lean frame with not much to build on. Can get mauled by bigger lineman. His high playstyle makes him miss a lot of tackles something you don’t want in the middle of your defense.

Lack of hand use will get him in bad situations in the NFL. Once a blocker has his hands on him you can count him out.

Overall:

Some of Zach Cunningham’s highlight make you think he’s the top linebacker in this draft but then you put on the film and his playstyle leaves you with a lot of questions about his transition to the NFL.

NFL Comparison: Alec Ogletree

Film Score: 75

Athleticism score: 7.6 (Above NFL average)

Final Score: 76 (1-2 Rd)

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