Several NFL scouts have been intrigued with New England Patriots rookie quarterback Malik Cunningham. However, at least one NFL scout reportedly believes Cunningham is good enough to replace Bailey Zappe as the primary backup to Mac Jones.
Cunningham showed flashes of what he could do in last Thursday’s preseason opener. He went 3-of-4 through the air for 19 yards. More could have been tacked on to the yard total, if not for a dropped touchdown pass by Patriots receiver Tre Nixon.
Cunningham also proved he could get things done on the ground, rushing the ball five times for 34 yards and a touchdown. He scored New England’s only touchdown of the game and provided intrigue at the quarterback position.
Boston Sports Journal’s Mike Giardi broke down messages he had received from multiple scouts regarding Cunningham. Two scouts thought it was way too soon to jump on the hype train, while another scout is ready to put Cunningham as the No. 2 quarterback on the Patriots’ depth chart.
Giardi wrote:
“On Malik Cunningham, the text I got was from a grizzled, veteran scout who deals a lot with the AFC East. It read, ‘Settle down, Boston.’ I laughed. He did later text, writing ‘He has live legs. No question. But let’s see the arm.’ Another scout I reached out to on Cunningham said, ‘He needs to develop as a passer. That’s one of the reasons (size being another) why he wasn’t drafted,’ but he did add, ‘I’d trust the Bills (Belichick and O’Brien) to give him a package that he could make work.’ Another texted, simply, ‘Why the hell not? I’d rather him as the backup than the little guy’ (he was referencing Bailey Zappe).”
It’s clear that Cunningham is making a strong first impression for New England, regardless of opinions regarding his overall talent. It will be interesting to see his continued development throughout training camp and whether he can earn himself a backup quarterback spot on the roster.
