Cunningham caught off guard in second round
Vanderbilt LB had little contact with team before being selected
The call from the Texans hit Zach Cunningham’s cellphone Friday night with all of the surprise factor of an unanticipated trick play. Only this was a welcome surprise.
The Vanderbilt AllAmerican inside linebacker had no idea the Texans would draft him in the second round, acknowledging later he had no clue the defending AFC South champions were interested in adding him as reinforcements for their top-ranked defense.
An athletic tackling machine at Vanderbilt who piled up 295 career tackles, including 39½ tackles for losses, six sacks, seven forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries in three seasons, Cunningham had little contact with the Texans before they selected him 57th overall. He didn’t visit them or have a private workout, so he was practically stunned to join the Texans.
“This is a huge surprise to me,” Cunningham said. “I’m definitely excited. I’m at a loss for words. To be picked by the Texans definitely caught me off guard. I wasn’t expecting that, so I’m feeling kind overwhelmed. I’m definitely excited and feeling apprehensive and ready to get to work.”
Where Cunningham fits in with the Texans initially is as a versatile depth addition at inside linebacker who can be groomed behind veteran starter Brian Cushing. Cunningham is expected to contribute on defense and special teams and eventually emerge as a tandem with second-team All-Pro inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney.
Linebacker depth
“We think he’s an athletic, rangy linebacker,” Texans general manager Rick Smith said. “He’s a good football player.”
Texans coach Bill O’Brien said he could see Cunningham lining up at either inside linebacker or outside linebacker.
“Zach Cunningham was a very productive tackler at Vanderbilt,” O’Brien said. “He’ll be a core special teams player. Versatile, tough kid.
“I think he can play both outside and inside linebacker. He’ll also help us on special teams. Versatility is a big key.”
In terms of playing style, Cunningham has drawn comparisons to Los Angeles Rams linebacker Alec Ogletree.
“I’ve always played inside linebacker, so that’s where I see myself playing,” Cunningham said. “I haven’t talked to the Texans about where they see me fitting in with the defense. My expectations going forward is to come in and make an impact and become a starting linebacker and an impact player.”
Cunningham is known for his ability to penetrate the backfield and chase down players.
At 6-3, 234 pounds, he is regarded as more of run-and-chase type rather than a heavy-duty plugger at the line of scrimmage. Cunningham runs the 40yard dash in 4.67 seconds and has a 35-inch vertical leap. He’s adept in pursuit, covering a lot of ground.
“That’s a lot of my game right there,” Cunningham said. “I’m definitely a playmaker, definitely a guy that’s able to get sideline to sideline. I’ve got a lot of speed, quickness and agility.
“I’m able to cover. I’m able to fit in the run. Wherever the Texans put me, I’m definitely going to be an impact player on the defense.”
Cunningham is used to playing off the football instead of stacking close to the line of scrimmage. Although he was prolific for the Commodores, the native of Pinson, Ala., was overlooked as a recruit by Alabama.
Areas to improve
For as many plays as he made, the Butkus Award finalist missed far too many tackles. He has a lean build and still needs to get stronger, bench pressing 225 pounds only 15 times at the NFL scouting combine.
“I definitely would say there were some plays that I wish I could take back,” Cunningham said. “There were a lot of missed tackles and missed opportunities out there on the field. I definitely gave it my all and that definitely showed up in how I played and what I was able to achieve.”
Prior to the draft, Cunningham visited the Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions, Pittsburgh Steelers, New Orleans Saints, Jacksonville Jaguars and Denver Broncos.
“I haven’t had a lot of conversations with them before, or anything like that,” Cunningham said of the Texans. “That’s why this pick caught me off guard.”
Cunningham majored in economics and plays the guitar. He has a relatively low-key, unassuming personality.
“I’m more of a quiet, reserved person,” Cunningham said. “When it calls for it, I’ll be vocal and take charge of a situation.”