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New York Giants Top 5 Potential First Round Picks

By John Franklin

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announces the number ninth overall pick to the New York Giants in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announces the number ninth overall pick to the New York Giants in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Giants Top 5 Potential First Round Picks
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 /

Number Three: Zack Cunningham, Linebacker, Vanderbilt

I’m sure at first glance most people will see the name Zack Cunningham and think, “who?”. Well, Cunningham is coming off of a dominant career that culminated in his best year statistically in 2016. The outside linebacker recorded a career-high 125 tackles this season and paired it with 16.5 tackles for a loss.

Cunningham is listed at 6’4” and 230 pounds, making him a nightmare for offensive tackles to try and handle. He has experience at the inside linebacker position as well which will help him shed blocks, as well as speed rush by them.

Cunningham was also the first Vanderbilt player to be named a unanimous first-team All-American. The reason Cunningham could stick around for the Giants is that there is a great deal of linebacker depth in this year’s draft.

The only real issues that scouts are seeing from Cunningham is that his frame on the outside could lead to missed tackles. It doesn’t seem to be a glaring issue, and most believe it’ll be a habit that the Commodore will get rid of easily at the professional level.

If the Giants don’t re-sign Pierre-Paul, I wouldn’t be surprised if they try to draft Cunningham and make him a hybrid outside rusher. It would create an opportunity for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo to change his base defense to a 3-4 set. This change could be something that would help the Giants in the long run, but it isn’t the first way the Giants should address the loss of Pierre-Paul.

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