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2017 NFL Mock Draft: First-Round Projections after Week 13

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 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 /

Vanderbilt. Zach Cunningham. 24. player. 31. . LB

The New York Giants should look at their defense in the first round, and the linebacker spot is an area where they could use some young talent. Vanderbilt’s Zach Cunningham is someone who could quickly find a home in New York’s defensive unit.

I was admittedly not as high on Cunningham as others early in the season, but he continues to impress and has looked worthy of a first-round pick. He does a great job of shedding blockers to get to the ball carrier and can also drop back in coverage to break up passes.

Cunningham can take bad angles and will miss more tackles than I’d like. Still, the upside is there for the Vanderbilt linebacker to become a staple for any NFL defense. If the Giants pick him up in the first round, they could wind up with a their starting inside linebacker for the foreseeable future.

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