Houston Texans inside linebacker Zach Cunningham was so close to earning his first career Pro Bowl in 2019.
The former 2017 second-round pick from Vanderbilt tallied 142 tackles, 2.0 sacks, two pass breakups, and two fumble recoveries, but was only considered as a Pro Bowl alternate. The Indianapolis Colts’ Darius Leonard, the New England Patriots’ Dont’a Hightower, and the Buffalo Bills’ Tremaine Edwards held down the middle linebacker spots on the AFC’s roster.
However, new data from Pro Football Focus indicates how dominant Cunningham is at his job. The football scouting firm posted the top-4 linebackers with run stops in 2019, and Cunningham was atop the list with 47.
Total stops in run defense in 2019
1. Zach Cunningham – 47
2. Luke Kuechly – 39
3. Bobby Wagner – 37
4. Joe Schobert – 36 pic.twitter.com/FxHSandljz— PFF (@PFF) June 9, 2020
It is one thing to be in a category with Luke Kuechly, Bobby Wagner, and Joe Schobert. It is another to lead them in said category.
Part of the Pro Bowl selection process is a popularity contest. Leonard, Hightower, and Edwards play for clubs with entrenched, loyal fan bases. However, these players also are involved in numerous splash plays defensively that drive up their stock.
Leonard produced 5.0 sacks along with his five interceptions, including a pick-six, and two forced fumbles. Hightower had 5.5 sacks, four pass breakups, and a fumble recovery that he returned for a touchdown. Edwards was the closest to Cunningham in terms of splash plays as he had one interception and nine pass breakups.
Assistant head coach Romeo Crennel believes Cunningham will improve in his fourth season, the final year of his rookie contract.
“Every year guys make progress in the league, and the longer you play, the more progress you can make,” Crennel told reporters on Jan. 9. “I think that what we’re seeing is we’re seeing that progress occur with him from year one, to year two, to year three. He’s got a good football sense, he works hard and puts himself in position to make the plays.”
Cunningham was close a season ago. If he adds takeaways or sacks to his stats in 2020, a Pro Bowl selection should be in his future.