Texans have a key piece to build with in Zach Cunningham
Even in a frustrating season for the Houston Texans, there is a bright spot. The performance of rookie linebacker Zach Cunningham. Cunningham played admirably and is clearly an integral part of the future of the Texans. Houston selected Cunningham with the 57th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Cunningham was thrust into service this season and did not disappoint. Totaling 90 combined tackles with 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble. Cunningham also defended six passes and accounted for six run stuffs. This type of production from a rookie linebacker is exactly what the Texans need. Especially considering the suspension of Brian Cushing and the injuries to other key defensive players.
It is also worth noting that Cunningham earned an above average grade from Pro Football Focus. PFF has Cunningham ranked 21st overall in terms of linebackers. Like it or not, PFF is a great tool to analyze players. Recognizing the impact beyond simple statistics is important. It provides an accurate perception of a player. This is great for the Texans who need to find talent for the future. An immediate impact from Cunningham allows Houston to address other areas in free agency and the draft.
Most importantly the emergence of Cunningham allows the Texans to move on from Cushing. There is a potential out in Cushing’s contract which would save Houston money to spend elsewhere. This combined with the fact that Benardrick McKinney is productive as well makes Cushing expendable. It is best to move on from players when it makes financial sense. Moving on from Cushing now makes more sense than waiting until it is too late.
Houston needs to work on building youth on their defense. Cunningham manning the middle of the linebacking group is a great start. He already appears to be an asset for Houston. Building the center of a defense is key in the NFL. Cunningham helps fortify the center of the Houston defense. When J.J. Watt and Whitney Mericlus return next season they will rush from the outside. This is not even considering the dominance of Jadeveon Clowney. Cunningham in addition to the star studded list of defenders will make the Texans defense dominant in 2018.