Zach Cunningham

in our view

Cunningham looks more like an outside linebacker for a 4-3 alignment than a traditional inside linebacker for a 3-4 scheme. He isn't always the cleanest tackler but as his statistics suggest, he certainly gets the job done. The time spent inside has honed Cunningham's instincts and ability to fight through blocks, though he remains at his best on the chase.

strengths

Cunningham sports a long-levered frame with broad shoulders, a tapered middle and plenty of room for additional muscle mass without significantly impacting his impressive quickness, agility and speed. He attacks oncoming blockers with an aggressive and powerful initial punch, quickly disengaging on his way to the ball. Unlike most linebackers with his length, Cunningham shows good recognition and body control to slip cut blocks, as well, sprawling to maintain his balance and rarely losing sight of the ball. Cunningham is able to convert speed to power as a tackler, showing no hesitancy in the hole against big (or small) runners and ripping at the ball, when possible. Cunningham's future in the NFL could be on the outside as he possesses the range and body control to excel in space. He changes direction well for a man of his size, showing light feet and loose hips. He possesses the range to beat backs to the edge, as well as exciting closing speed while in pursuit and coverage. Cunningham shows good awareness of passing lanes, as well as the body control and long arms to contort in space to knock down throws.

compares to

Derrick Johnson, Kansas City Chiefs

weaknesses

While Cunningham's size, athleticism and awareness are certainly appealing, there is room for improvement, including in the most important area for any linebacker -- tackling. In part because of Cunningham's relatively lanky frame, his pad level is often higher while tackling then preferred. Cunningham often wrestles runners to the ground with his upper-body strength rather than consistently driving them back through his hips. This can leave Cunningham a little off-balance at the point of attack, leading to his catching runners and pulling them down (after surrendering another yard after contact) or, occasionally, missing them altogether. Cunningham could also improve as a pass rusher, too often relying on a quick hand slap, bull rush or his speed (rather than refined technique) to defeat blocks.

it is hard not to remember a young johnson at texas when watching cunningham, who possesses a similar rangy frame, speed and nose for the ball. like the chiefs' 12-year veteran, cunningham possesses pro bowl potential with the skill-set to translate into the 4-3 or 3-4 alignment.

--Rob Rang (1/23/17)

Senior captain and three-year starter at LB for school located just north of Birmingham

Concluded prep career by receiving Alabama 5A Lineman of the Year and Birmingham News' Lineman of the Year honors after 2012 campaign

Amassed 448 total tackles during three-year varsity career

As a senior, earned First Team All-State after leading Indians to 8-4 record and second round of 5A playoffs

Contributed 194 total tackles, including 41 tackles for loss and 12 sacks along with four blocked punts during the season

Participated in postseason Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl

As junior, earned All-State recognition after registering 152 tackles

Also lettered in basketball and track.

Zachary Daniel Cunningham

Majoring in Economics

Son of Fred and Sophie Cunningham

Born Dec. 12, 1994

Dad works in landscaping

Has four brothers: Frederick, Ethan, Nathan and Zapheth; and two sisters, Gabriel and Danica

Plays the guitar.

2016