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2017 NFL Mock Draft: First-round projections after Week 14

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs for a large gain after a reception during the first quarter of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs for a large gain after a reception during the first quarter of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-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 /

player. 45. . LB. Vanderbilt. Zach Cunningham. 20

Vanderbilt hasn’t had a defensive player drafted in the first round since 1984 and that will surely change this year with Zach Cunningham coming into his own. What better defense to add the young inside linebacker to than the Broncos’?

The biggest needs for Denver have to be on the offensive line, at safety and maybe even tight end with lackluster play there this season. After drafting Paxton Lynch last season, the Broncos could use some weapons to surround him or Trevor Siemian in the pass game.

However, Cunningham would be an incredible addition to an even better defense. Sure, the Broncos don’t exactly need linebackers with Von Miller and Brandon Marshall roaming the middle of the defense, but why not add the guy who might just be the most talented player at the position in this year’s class?

Denver’s defense has been one of the best in the NFL for the past few years and they could surely build on that with Cunningham who has great awareness, sheds blockers well but could use some work with open-field tackling.

Cunningham has improved his stock this season after posting 119 tackles and 16.5 tackles for loss.

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