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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Final Predictions For First Round

By Dan Parzych

Nov 5, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) before a game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) before a game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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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
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 /

22. Miami Dolphins: Vanderbilt LB Zach Cunningham

Similar to the Detroit Lions, the Miami Dolphins turned out to be one of the biggest surprise teams from the 2016 season after overcoming a 1-4 start to earn one of the Wild Card spots in the AFC, which is kind of amazing to think about. With a healthy Ryan Tannehill, there’s no telling what would have happened in the first round of the playoffs against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but at least last year’s success gives the Dolphins high expectations heading into next season.

Linebacker is going to be one of the areas for Miami to focus on in the draft during the first round, and based off availability, there’s a good chance Vanderbilt’s Zach Cunningham is still going to be there to consider at No. 22. Tackling may be an issue for Cunningham at times, but hopefully is athletic style of play will make up for it once he adjusts to playing at the NFL level.

For a team that has to play in the same division as the New England Patriots, the Dolphins realize their best chance at competing for the AFC East title is loading up on the defensive side of the football. Whether Cunningham is part of that solution at No. 22 for Miami, only time will tell for the former Vanderbilt star.

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