Second-round pick Zach Cunningham emerges as a key contributor for Texans.
Rookie linebacker emerges to finish second in tackles
Displaying speed, agility and an aggressive nature that belies his quiet personality, Zach Cunningham was an instant hit for the Texans’ defense.
As a rookie, Cunningham started at inside linebacker and filled the void when veteran Brian Cushing was suspended for violating the NFL performanceenhancing drug policy.
Instead of looking unprepared and raw, Cunningham emerged as an athletic force in the middle of the defense. He’s being hailed as the Texans’ second-best draft pick from last spring after star quarterback and first-round selection Deshaun Watson.
Cunningham had arguably his best performance in the final game of the season, recording a season-high 11 tackles in a loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
“For me, it was a progressive season,” Cunningham said. “Just trying to get better every game, each snap and trying to progress as a player, mentally and physically. Mentally, the speed of the game, I had a lot of help from the coaches and veterans. I got better and better at my skill set.”
A second-round pick
Cunningham finished second on the Texans in tackles behind fellow inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney.
A second-round draft pick from Vanderbilt, Cunningham recorded 82 tackles, 1½ sacks, five tackles for losses, two quarterback hits, six passes defended and one forced fumble.
Cunningham was one of former general manager Rick Smith’s final draft picks. Smith is taking a leave of absence to care for his wife as she battles breast cancer. The Texans are introducing Brian Gaine as their new general manager Wednesday.
“I think there are a lot of good young players if you went down the roster and you looked at some of the other younger players on the team and the experience they got,” Smith said following the season. “Zach Cunningham comes to mind.”
Cunningham proved capable of chasing down running backs, shadowing receivers and tight ends, and being an effective blitzer when called upon. He could line up at outside linebacker in a pinch and is good on special teams.
“He’s had a good year,” coach Bill O’Brien said. “For a rookie linebacker, I think he’s done a good job. It’s been something that I think he’s gotten better and better. I think he’s very serious about it.
“He studies, he prepares, and we’re real happy with where he’s at right now. He’s physical. He can run. He’s good on special teams. He’s got a really good future in this league.”
The Texans utilized Cunningham from a variety of angles. He rushed off the edge. He lined up inside. He was an instinctive rookie who was durable, playing in every game and starting 13.
Signed to a four-year, $4.471 million contract that includes a $1.392 million signing bonus and $2.06 million guaranteed, Cunningham is living up to the Texans’ investment.
McKinney’s praise
“He’s doing an unbelievable job,” McKinney said. “He’s very coachable and fun to play with. He flies around with a lot of energy on the field. He brings a lot of juice to the defense.”
That’s what the Texans envisioned when they drafted Cunningham. At 6-4, 230 pounds, the former consensus All-American and All-Southeastern Conference selection is strong and fast. He had 295 career tackles (39½ for losses) before declaring early for the draft after his junior year.
Cunningham is upbeat about his future with the Texans and optimistic about next season, when J.J. Watt and Whitney Mercilus will return from injuries.
“For sure, we definitely have a lot of potential,” Cunningham said. “We have a lot of good players coming back. It’s definitely going to be a bright future.