With The First Pick
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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Cleveland Browns Get Their Men

By Carl Cockerham

Sep 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) in game action against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Texas A&M won 45-24. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) in game action against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Texas A&M won 45-24. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 12, 2016; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers running back Damarea Crockett (16) runs the ball and is tackled by Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) during the second half at Faurot Field. Missouri won 26-17. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers running back Damarea Crockett (16) runs the ball and is tackled by Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) during the second half at Faurot Field. Missouri won 26-17. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

The historically great defense of the Denver Broncos is no more here in 2016. They’re still great in coverage and get after the passer but they get their manhood taken against the run. Losing Danny Trevathan to the Chicago Bears is having a profound affect on the defense. <p>The Broncos are about to miss the playoffs this year and the fastest way back is through the defense. Quarterback Trevor Siemian, running back Devontae Booker and the offense will improve. But the Broncos can’t win the AFC West or win in the playoffs if they can’t stop the run.</p><div class=. ILB. Vanderbilt. Zach Cunningham. 19. player. 45

So right here at No. 19 overall, the Broncos select ILB Zach Cunningham out of Vanderbilt. Cunningham is a tough customer as a take-on LB that can shed blocks without wasting time. He is also quick to diagnose plays so once he sheds that block, he knows where to find the ball.

And he has the speed and athleticism to get there before opposing running backs gain too much ground. Cunningham also has the ability to cover the TEs and RBs, which is why he’s first-round prospect. So the Broncos take him here knowing their defense can be what it was in 2015.

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19

Zach Cunningham

ILB, Vanderbilt

Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos /

The historically great defense of the Denver Broncos is no more here in 2016. They’re still great in coverage and get after the passer but they get their manhood taken against the run. Losing Danny Trevathan to the Chicago Bears is having a profound affect on the defense.

The Broncos are about to miss the playoffs this year and the fastest way back is through the defense. Quarterback Trevor Siemian, running back Devontae Booker and the offense will improve. But the Broncos can’t win the AFC West or win in the playoffs if they can’t stop the run.

So right here at No. 19 overall, the Broncos select ILB Zach Cunningham out of Vanderbilt. Cunningham is a tough customer as a take-on LB that can shed blocks without wasting time. He is also quick to diagnose plays so once he sheds that block, he knows where to find the ball.

And he has the speed and athleticism to get there before opposing running backs gain too much ground. Cunningham also has the ability to cover the TEs and RBs, which is why he’s first-round prospect. So the Broncos take him here knowing their defense can be what it was in 2015.

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