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2017 NFL Draft Grades: Houston Texans Day 2 Picks

By Luke Sims

Nov 7, 2015; Austin, TX, USA; University of Texas Longhorns running back D'Onta Foreman (33) bows after scoring on a run against the University of Kansas Jayhawks in the third quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Austin, TX, USA; University of Texas Longhorns running back D'Onta Foreman (33) bows after scoring on a run against the University of Kansas Jayhawks in the third quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 19, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores inside linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) is congratulated by teammates after a fumble recovery during the second half against the Mississippi Rebels at Vanderbilt Stadium. Vanderbilt won 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores inside linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) is congratulated by teammates after a fumble recovery during the second half against the Mississippi Rebels at Vanderbilt Stadium. Vanderbilt won 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

Following a trade up in Round 1 to select the quarterback Deshaun Watson, the Houston Texans turn to other positions in Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2017 NFL Draft.

In the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the Houston Texans select…

Houston Texans. ZACH CUNNINGHAM. B+. . LB

Zach Cunningham may not be a pick that leaps off the page, but he was a top-second-round pick and the Houston Texans got him late in the second. It’s a phenomenal value pick with high upside.

Compared to Alec Ogletree by Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, Cunningham could instantly find a spot on a talented Texans defense. The Houston defense is the best in the NFL but can always use an athletic pick that can be an immediate contributor. Cunningham gives them that.

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A player that can immediately get to the ball on any play, Cunningham can fly around the ball. While the Texans defense is already stellar, speed reigns supreme for linebackers in the modern NFL and there is no shortage of quick speed from Cunningham.

He will be able to rack up tackles and be a versatile player for the defense. Those traits continue to open things up for Houston as they try and fool offenses into letting their defense make plays and turn them into great field position or touchdowns.

Versatility is important in the modern NFL and Cunningham has it. That doesn’t mean there isn’t room to grow, but he has the potential to be great.

In the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the Houston Texans select…

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