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New York Giants: 6 Players To Target On Day 2 Of The 2017 NFL Draft

By Kenneth Teape

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
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 /
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New York Giants: 6 Players To Target On Day 2 Of The 2017 NFL Draft
Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Vanderbilt linebacker Zach Cunningham speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Vanderbilt Linebacker, Zach Cunningham

The Giants passed on a linebacker in Round One when they selected Evan Engram over Reuben Foster. The Giants would get some retribution for passing on yet another linebacker if Zach Cunningham falls to them with the 55th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

The Giants will eventually have to address their need at linebacker. No matter how high they are on last season’s fourth round pick, B.J. Goodson, the Giants would be smart to add another player into the mix. Cunningham could be that player and help right away.

Cunningham has all of the tools to be an every-down linebacker in today’s NFL. He would help the Giants against the run, an area their linebackers struggled in 2016. Cunningham finished fourth among FBS inside linebackers in run-stop percentage in 2016 but did miss an alarming amount of tackles with 13.

He also has the skill set to succeed in pass coverage. Adding a player of this caliber to their second level could be the missing piece to make the Giants defense truly elite. There is a chance that Cunningham is available when the Giants pick, and if he is, they cannot pass on a linebacker again.

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