Super Bowl IV Teams (Last 2 Picks)
31st Pick: Atlanta Falcons- Caleb Brantley (DT) – Florida
A pass rusher to pair up with Vic Beasley is needed but the pass rushers that are worthy of selection are gone. So an interior defensive lineman to pair with Grady Jarett is the next best thing with Ra’Shede Hageman playing at defensive end. Another defensive tackle will help free up Beasley and the other pass rushers and Caleb Brantley out of Florida is the best defensive tackle in the draft. Statistically, he did not dominate with a few sacks in his career but on the field, he was a constant disruptive force in the middle on a dominant Florida defense and has the potential to be a better pass rushing defensive tackle in the NFL. Also, a replacement for Johnathan Babineaux is needed and here it is addressed. Some may see limited impact on the field as he is shorter and may be seen as only a nose tackle but I think he has the technique and quickness at defensive tackle for more pass rushing opportunities at the next level.
32nd Pick: New England Patriots- Zach Cunningham (LB) – Vanderbilt
With the recent decision to not franchise tag or attempt to resign Dont’a Hightower, I see Zach Cunningham out ofVanderbiltt to fit very well in New England. A tackling machine, Cunningham had 125 total tackles in 2016 and fits as a 4-3 outside linebacker. But he could play on the inside or outside due to his range. Cunningham does have to work on his tackling form and wrapping up to be a run and chase linebacker. If he plays inside, he has to bulk up due to a slender frame at linebacker and is not the most physical linebacker. But with Bill Belichick, he can probably turn him into a very productive starting linebacker in the NFL and make the most of his talent. This could be a nice steal for a Patriots team that is consistently good every year.