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2017 NFL Draft: Inside linebacker targets for the Chiefs to consider

By Lyle Graversen

Nov 21, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Raekwon McMillan (5) lines up against the Michigan State Spartans at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Raekwon McMillan (5) lines up against the Michigan State Spartans at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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October 3, 2015: Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders running back Shane Tucker (1) is taken down by Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) during a game between the Vanderbilt Commodores and Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at Johnny
October 3, 2015: Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders running back Shane Tucker (1) is taken down by Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) during a game between the Vanderbilt Commodores and Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at Johnny /

Zach Cunningham – Vanderbilt – 6’4″ – 230 pounds

Before we get started talking about Vanderbilt’s Zach Cunningham let’s make one thing very clear. When I teased that Cunningham has been compared to Derrick Johnson, that’s Johnson coming out of college, not All Pro NFL level Derrick Johnson. I am in no way claiming that Cunningham could come in as a rookie and play at that level. If that was the case he wouldn’t make it to the Chiefs at pick number twenty-seven. That having been said, Cunningham does possess many of the same skills that Johnson did and could make for an excellent pick in the late first round. In fact, if I was to pick one of the four prospects I’m profiling today that is least likely to still be on the board when KC picks it would be Cunningham.

Just this past weekend KC Kingdom’s Ben Almquist gave a nice scouting report on Cunningham that I encourage you to check out. It was actually CBS’s Rob Rang that used Derrick Johnson as Cunningham’s NFL comparison. You also can’t help but think of DJ when reading this opening to NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein’s scouting report on Cunningham:

"Play-making machine. Plays on a downhill tilt and is always looking to draw first blood. Fast to see it, process and respond. Creates tackles for losses by shooting gaps at appropriate angles."

When you watch Cunningham on tape his athleticism is apparent right away. He’s fantastic in space and once he sees where the play is going he’s very quick to the ball. His good field vision helps him avoid getting caught up by blockers but he is a little light and could stand to add some bulk. Like Johnson (especially early in his career) he needs to go around blockers, not through them. He also has missed his fair share of tackles. Some quality coaching and added body mass could help this as well. While I wouldn’t call Cunningham a coverage linebacker his athleticism and vision make him a three down linebacker that is capable of picking up backs and tight ends.

I don’t know that I love the idea of the Chiefs taking a linebacker in the first round of the draft, but if they did my top choice would be Zach Cunningham (assuming Foster is long gone).

If Cunningham is also off the board by pick twenty-seven are there any other linebackers worth considering?

I’m glad you asked.

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