2017 NFL Mock Draft: New Regimes Create New Problems

ILB. Vanderbilt. Zach Cunningham . 24. player. 28. There are still a lot of problems with the Oakland Raiders defense that they have to fix if they’re going to contend for a title in 2017. Sure their secondary still isn’t up to snuff but it doesn’t end there. For the longest time this team has tried to make due with role players and inadequate guys at the middle linebacker position. As a result it’s a spot that opponents have been able to exploit quite often on the ground and in the air. <p>Getting somebody in that spot who can start making plays and lead the defense would be a boon. Zach Cunningham has continuously proven himself at Vanderbilt in that capacity. He’s a tough kid who displays solid technique and strength as a tackler. What really stands out is his instinct. He reacts quickly to a play and often is able to stop them for short gains or losses. Surround him with better talent and he’s bound to become even more effective.</p>