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2017 NFL Mock Draft: First-round projections after CFP Semifinals

By Connor Muldowney

Dec 31, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs the ball for a touchdown against Ohio State during the third quarter during the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Kadlubowski/The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs the ball for a touchdown against Ohio State during the third quarter during the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Kadlubowski/The Arizona Republic via 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 /

LB. Vanderbilt. Zach Cunningham. 23. player. 31.

If there has been a team that has progressively improved on the defensive side of the ball all season long and exceeded expectations, it’s been the Giants. New York, in its first year with a new coach, has made the postseason and it didn’t look like that would be the case early in the season, but the offense and defense both came together at the right time.

In my last mock draft, I had the Giants picking D’Onta Foreman, a bruising running back out of Texas, but after watching Paul Perkins and Rashad Jennings play against Washington, it’s clear that those two can carry the load — no pun intended.

Linebacker might just be the Giants’ biggest need this year and maybe a pass rusher as well, but addressing the middle of the defense is key. Last year, the Giants picked Eli Apple, a cornerback from Ohio State, in the first round and that was the first step toward fixing the defense.

This year, they should go after a guy like Zach Cunningham who is rising up draft boards and beginning to look like a guy who could be the first linebacker chosen — or at the very least, second or third.

Although his biggest knock is that he is bad as an open-field tackler, he is aggressive, sheds blockers and can defend against the pass. Cunningham should be extremely high on New York’s draft board.

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