Zach Cunningham | Barking Hard

Zach Cunningham

CroBrownsBall

Active member
Awards
10
Big LBs don 't grow on trees.
Especially the ones that can run fast.

Zach Cunningham of Vanderbilt is one of them.

Position: ILB(can pinch in at OLB)
Scheme: both 4-3 and 3-4

Physical
Height: 6' 4"
Weight: 230 lbs
Projected 40: 4.6, maybe even 4.5

By now it should already be documented, that I am fascinated by fast linebackers.
And when they can hit, play aggressive and reckless...

Games watched:
vs South Carolina, vs Florida, vs Georgia, vs Tennessee, vs Georgia Tech











Strengths:

First thing that pops out is that he is pretty big(college listings can deceive).

Can shed and take on big blockers with moderate success and that 's a big plus playing in the NFL.
Opens up space for players out of the secondary and frees up the DLine and other backers.
Anyway you can tie up a big guy and/or make him choose, you 've won half the battle of blowing up a run or getting to the QB.
Can navigate through trash.
When at the top of his game, he goes through it like a missile.

Extremely explosive at times.
Blocked a punt by jumping over the blocking unit(it 's impressive).
When uncontested can absolutely fly downhill to the ball.

Can and will put a bit extra in the hit(not dirty).
Will catch up with opponents who are running with a full head of steam and has the ability to tackle them.
Wild at times.

Does get a lot of blocking attention.
Has a knack for being at the right place in the clutch.

Can cover really well for a guy that big, can recover if beat but he 's better downhil.

Weaknesses:

Inconsistent instincts often let him down.
He sometimes takes awhile to diagnose a play, which is infuriating due to the fact that he shows ability to recognize plays.
Anyways, that 's always a pretty big minus because ILB is one of the most instinctive positions in the NFL.

Out of control when tackling, aggressive demeanor lets him down sometimes.
His tackling form is very inconsistent, a lot of the time he looks like he 's catching up to someone.
Balance when tackling is suspect.

Angles are often out whack.
Often does not take the optimal route to bring down the runner.
Takes worse angles when there is trash coming his way.

Suspect lateral speed, moves upright and forward(doesn 't showcase lateral ability).

Could get a few penalties in the pros(in coverage close to the LOS likes to shove the fuck out of the one he covers).

Overall:
A great developmental linebacker who could become a leader of a defense.
Physically has everything you need to mold a linebacker that is great.
There is a lot of work to do, though.
Instincts, play recognition and better movement require hours of practice and studying.
My guess is an academic institution of Vanderbilt 's stature provided him with the required work ethic.
Provided that he has also fulfilled academic requirements(that would mean he 's a smart dude).

My grade: solid mid 3rd rounder

Projected pick in the draft: mid 2nd

Comparison:
I 'm pretty sure he is a bit worse than Kwon Alexander and a fair bit less polished.
But physically he 's kinda similar(leaner athlete) and even bigger.
Someone is going to bet on themselves that Zach Cunningham is the next great linebacker.
Not entirely sure if it should be the Browns early in the draft, but if opportunity arises later we should not hesitate.
 
For the love of everything that is good, no more project players. At least not until the late rounds. They need stud players who will impact immediately and for a long time. Offensive line is something they need to address early. Quarterback is a perrenial need in Cleveland also.
 
For the love of everything that is good, no more project players. At least not until the late rounds. They need stud players who will impact immediately and for a long time. Offensive line is something they need to address early. Quarterback is a perrenial need in Cleveland also.

He's not a "project" player. He's a stud. He's football player. He almost never misses tackles. He will be a top 25 pick.
 
Unless Collins leaves, I don't see a huge reason to take Cunningham. Great football player but Kirksey and Collins are very good and you don't invest a first rounder in a guy who will probably leave the field on passing downs. JMHO.
 
If he somehow slips to the 2nd round and were sitting there without a QB selected, do we take him or Mahomes?

Man that is a tough choice if it were to play out that way and it is within the realm of possibility.

:juggle:
 
Top Bottom