Kansas City Chiefs: Top 10 Draft Targets For 2017
By Ben Almquist
Kansas City Chiefs Draft Target No. 10
Zach Cunningham – LB – Vanderbilt
If the Kansas city Chiefs are looking for an heir to Derrick Johnson, it’s hard to imagine one better than Vanderbilt’s Zach Cunningham. The key to Johnson’s success has been his outstanding athleticism that is beyond that of most ILBs. In Cunningham, the Chiefs would find very similar physical ability.
Not only is Cunningham a very talented athlete, but he also exhibits a natural understanding of the game. The Vandy linebacker shows an impressive ability to beat blocks through technique rather than just ability. Cunningham also demonstrates the wherewithal to make a play on the ball when the opportunity is there. Those are very key traits that he shares with Derrick Johnson.
On the negative side, Zach Cunningham does need to add weight to play ILB in a 3-4. At just 230 lbs, many analysts feel he is better suited for a 4-3 OLB position. Cunningham also needs to develop more consistency in his tackling. His pad level tends to get a little high, and with his undersized frame will lead to ball carriers getting extra yards on him.
This is a natural football player with great athleticism. Zach Cunningham’s understanding of football is also a key trait in why I like him for the Chiefs. I think there are better picks for KC to make, but this is a player that fans should be happy with.