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2017 NFL Draft: Final Round 1 Mock for All 32 Picks

By Peter Panacy

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Vanderbilt linebacker Zach Cunningham speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Vanderbilt linebacker Zach Cunningham speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

The Washington Redskins lost two key components from their offense this offseason — wide receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon — to free agency.

Still, the defense needs to be the No. 1 priority.

In an ideal world, a player like Alabama’s Reuben Foster or Tennessee’s Derek Barnett would have slipped here. But Vanderbilt linebacker Zach Cunningham is a nice consolation prize.

Washington’s 2016 run defense was particularly poor, finishing 24th in the NFL with 1,916 yards allowed.

Cunningham has a solid presence off the edge as a pass-rusher. But his run-stopping abilities are just as noteworthy. He’ll be a smart pickup at No. 17.