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New York Giants Select O.J. Howard In NFL Mock Draft 1.0

By Kenneth Teape

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announces the draft picks in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announces the draft picks in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Giants
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 /

30. player. 55. . Linebacker. Vanderbilt. Zach Cunningham

The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to make the playoffs once again in 2016. However, they looked outmatched against the New England Patriots. The trio of Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown, and Le’Veon Bell is one of the best in the NFL, but they haven’t won much together.

Since the Steelers have a greatly improved offensive line, their first round pick will be used on linebacker Zach Cunningham from Vanderbilt. Cunningham is one of the best linebackers in the NFL Draft and was a tackling machine.

In his junior season, Cunningham totaled 125 tackles and 16.5 tackles for loss. In addition to being a great tackler, Cunningham forced two fumbles and had four fumble recoveries.

While the Steelers’ defense did improve last season, they could use some help at linebacker. Bud Dupree has been a disappointment since being drafted, and the Steelers could also upgrade over Vince Williams on the inside. Pittsburgh continues to rely on James Harrison, who has avoided the decline that father time usually brings.

Adding Cunningham to the linebacker corps will not only help them improve but also get younger. With him still being on the board at this point in the draft, the Steelers are getting some very good value at this point.

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