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2017 NFL Mock Draft: First-Round Projections after Week 10

By Tyler Brooke

Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) runs the ball during the first half of a game against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) runs the ball during the first half of a game against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 5, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers receiver Marcus Davis (80) is tackled by by Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) during the first quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers receiver Marcus Davis (80) is tackled by by Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) during the first quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports /

31. . LB. Vanderbilt. Zach Cunningham. 20. player

The New York Giants desperately need a household name at linebacker. Guys like Kelvin Sheppard and Jonathan Casillas aren’t exactly Pro Bowl linebackers, but someone out of the SEC could become one for the Giants.

I’ll admit that the first time I watched Vanderbilt linebacker Zach Cunningham I wasn’t that impressed. I thought that his stance was too awkward, he missed too many tackles and he didn’t always take the best angles.

However, Cunningham has continued to make big plays, shed tacklers and get to the ball carrier regularly, and that’s not something to ignore coming out of the SEC. This play on Saturday against Auburn was also incredible.

Cunningham has a nose for the ball and will do whatever it takes to get to the ball carrier. He’ll need to work on filling the right gaps and not whiffing on tackles, but scouts are going to love his upside.

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