Malik Cunningham – 5th Year Senior – QB – 6’1 – 190 Lbs. Draft Expectation: 7th Round – Undrafted
Malik Cunningham spent the last half decade under center for the Cardinals, and he leaves as the leader in touchdowns responsible for.
Despite the impressive total numbers, Cunningham isn’t projected to be picked in many of the most recent mock drafts.
But I said it last month, and I’ll say it again, I think a team will take a late-round flyer on the extremely athletic quarterback. An anonymous GM said this to NFL.com,
"“He’s a quarterback for a very specific offense,” an AFC quarterbacks coach said, before alluding to Lamar Jackson’s NFL journey. “It’s a cheap and easy comparison because he’s from Louisville and he’s a good athlete, but it’s real: He would have to be in a Baltimore-style (offense) that really highlights the quarterback run game and doesn’t ask him to do much as a pocket passer. He can do some stuff throwing it. He’s just inconsistent.”"
According to Tom Pelissero, there are several NFL teams interested in Cunningham.
An interesting late-round prospect here: Malik Cunningham, who broke Lamar Jackson's Louisville record for total TDs. Cunningham had private workouts with six NFL teams and has told teams he's willing to do whatever it takes -- including playing a hybrid role -- to help them win. https://t.co/92KGHG8bP6
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 21, 2023
I don’t expect Cunningham to have an incredible career as an NFL quarterback, but I think he could be a serviceable backup for a team with a mobile starting quarterback. I’ve also read some teams are interested in him trying out the wide receiver position, so he has a few different ways he could impact a team.
With all of his athletic ability, I think Cunningham hears his name called just before the draft ends, but if not he’ll certainly receive a contract as an undrafted free agent.
Most likely landing spots:
- Baltimore Ravens
- Arizona Cardinals
- New Orleans Saints
What a storyline it would be if the Baltimore Ravens keep Lamar Jackson and then draft Malik Cunningham to be his backup.