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Malik Cunningham- Julian Edelman 2.0? (2 Viewers)

elguapo07

elguapo07

Footballguy
Pats signed Lou QB Malik Cunningham as a priority FA and gave him a guaranteed $200,000. Cunningham was catching passes with the WRs during OTA’s this week.

6’ 188lbs with 4.53 and looks real good running the ball. Is Cunningham Belichicks next conversion project that will pay dividends down the road? Don’t think he’s an NFL caliber QB but seems to have the athleticism and Pats seem to be looking for a way to get him on the field.

Anything to see here?
 
He did work as a quarterback. That one day he worked as a WR.
Younger Belichick used everyone in anyway they could contribute. He was sharp.
While people called it creative, I didn't really think so. I thought it's coaching 101- guy is good at something, utilize it. The NFL has long pushed players into certain roles and only those roles so it was called creative. You can literally see a high school coach do this every weekend. Anywho...whatever I appreciated that Belichick did it so well at the highest level.

I think he lost his touch.
The same guy that engineered a Hernandez Gronk offense couldn't use his two TEs well recently.

Belichick is one of the guys that was vocal about Arthur Smith and Jonnu too. He could literally turn on a tape and see a different two TE offense and how to utilize Jonnu. It's ironic because Smith credits Dinger and Belichick as influences.

I think Malik is good for Belichick. This is a very good sign for the Pats too. Idk how the genius didn't do this or that but clearly the wheels are turning again.

Cunningham is a developmental project that is either the third QB exception or a PS player.

To train Edelman and that QB turned TE in Houston, they worked on drills constantly. Lining up for OTA drills one day isn't the same.
 
Bri said:
He did work as a quarterback. That one day he worked as a WR.
Younger Belichick used everyone in anyway they could contribute. He was sharp.
While people called it creative, I didn't really think so. I thought it's coaching 101- guy is good at something, utilize it. The NFL has long pushed players into certain roles and only those roles so it was called creative. You can literally see a high school coach do this every weekend. Anywho...whatever I appreciated that Belichick did it so well at the highest level.

I think he lost his touch.
The same guy that engineered a Hernandez Gronk offense couldn't use his two TEs well recently.

Belichick is one of the guys that was vocal about Arthur Smith and Jonnu too. He could literally turn on a tape and see a different two TE offense and how to utilize Jonnu. It's ironic because Smith credits Dinger and Belichick as influences.

I think Malik is good for Belichick. This is a very good sign for the Pats too. Idk how the genius didn't do this or that but clearly the wheels are turning again.

Cunningham is a developmental project that is either the third QB exception or a PS player.

To train Edelman and that QB turned TE in Houston, they worked on drills constantly. Lining up for OTA drills one day isn't the same.
Click to expand...
So you think BB will try to develop Cunningham as a QB and that catching passes one day at OTAs was more just to see how he looked doing it?

I guess my question is if Cunningham is a QB than what type of QB prospect are we looking at? Though he’s a running QB from Louisville he’s clearly not Lamar. Does he project to be a solid backup? With Jones and Zappe both being pocket QB I wonder why they targeted Cunningham.

Thought I read that Bama offered him but as a DB and it’s clear his speed and agility were able to make plays with the ball in his hand. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I wouldn’t rule out him being converted to WR as he seems more like an athlete that played QB in college rather than an athletic QB.
 
Edelman was rare. He had like a 6.62 3 cone and plus it took him like 4 yrs to get to where he was without any WR experience. Cunningham without his 3 cone drill data is gonna be a long shot.
 
elguapo07 said:
Bri said:
He did work as a quarterback. That one day he worked as a WR.
Younger Belichick used everyone in anyway they could contribute. He was sharp.
While people called it creative, I didn't really think so. I thought it's coaching 101- guy is good at something, utilize it. The NFL has long pushed players into certain roles and only those roles so it was called creative. You can literally see a high school coach do this every weekend. Anywho...whatever I appreciated that Belichick did it so well at the highest level.

I think he lost his touch.
The same guy that engineered a Hernandez Gronk offense couldn't use his two TEs well recently.

Belichick is one of the guys that was vocal about Arthur Smith and Jonnu too. He could literally turn on a tape and see a different two TE offense and how to utilize Jonnu. It's ironic because Smith credits Dinger and Belichick as influences.

I think Malik is good for Belichick. This is a very good sign for the Pats too. Idk how the genius didn't do this or that but clearly the wheels are turning again.

Cunningham is a developmental project that is either the third QB exception or a PS player.

To train Edelman and that QB turned TE in Houston, they worked on drills constantly. Lining up for OTA drills one day isn't the same.
Click to expand...
So you think BB will try to develop Cunningham as a QB and that catching passes one day at OTAs was more just to see how he looked doing it?

I guess my question is if Cunningham is a QB than what type of QB prospect are we looking at? Though he’s a running QB from Louisville he’s clearly not Lamar. Does he project to be a solid backup? With Jones and Zappe both being pocket QB I wonder why they targeted Cunningham.

Thought I read that Bama offered him but as a DB and it’s clear his speed and agility were able to make plays with the ball in his hand. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I wouldn’t rule out him being converted to WR as he seems more like an athlete that played QB in college rather than an athletic QB.
Click to expand...
All I know is he's practiced more as a QB.
If he's converting to WR there will be articles of him putting the work in there- drills, running routes with wr coach working on footwork, juggs etc etc.
Maybe he's perfect for the practice squad- emulating running QBs.
Maybe BB will try him at DB next.
IIRC Slater was WR and DB and then ultimately a special teams stud.
What I love seeing is BB thinking I can use this athlete
I am not confident in Gesecki because of Jonnu. Ten years ago, he'd be one of my favorite free agent signings. After Cunningham, now I want to hear of some impressive Gesecki usage in camp. Just needed to hear the ol ball coach still has it
 

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said Malik Cunningham is seeing work at wide receiver. ​

The Patriots signed Cunningham, a quarterback at Louisville, as an undrafted free agent and beat writers believe the rookie has a "clear path" to a roster spot this summer. The Athletic's Chad Graff said last month that Belichick could use the mobile Cunningham in certain formations and offensive packages, perhaps on third and short or near the end zone. That Cunningham is seeing some work at wideout is not a big surprise if the team is determined to use him in a variety of ways this season. A goal line role for Cunningham -- who had more than 3,000 rushing yards in college -- would be a problem for Mac Jones' fantasy value, whatever that may be.
RELATED:
SOURCE: Doug Kyed on Twitter
Jun 6, 2023, 11:16 AM ET
Click to expand...
 
Paging @Anarchy99 to the white phone - the Shark Pool would welcome any insights that you might have with regards to Malik Cunningham and how the Patriots will utilize his talents
 
Faust said:
Paging @Anarchy99 to the white phone - the Shark Pool would welcome any insights that you might have with regards to Malik Cunningham and how the Patriots will utilize his talents
Click to expand...
What you posted seems like editorializing from SportsEdge. Cunningham turned some heads when he signed a 3-year deal as an UDFA for $2.7M with $200K guaranteed. I haven't seen anyone suggest he has a "clear path" to a roster spot . . . and I have yet to see anyone put him on their projected 53-man roster. I would guess he is strictly a developmental guy (once they decide where he could play), and I would think he's destined to end up on the practice squad (if they can get him there without another team sniping him). I doubt BB will waste a weekly roster spot on a guy that has a couple of specific situations and plays just for him.

Cunningham played QB in minicamp, is currently getting looks at WR, and there was some talk that they might try him at DB. NE likes his athleticism, but I don't think they know what to do with him. I don't think he will be fantasy relevant at all this season (potentially not ever). He might be a gadget play guy eventually, but I don't see him ever getting enough playing time to score many fantasy points. I don't see the Pats bringing in Cunningham just for short yardage / goal line situations. That would mean they had to carry Jones / Zappe / Cunningham each game, and I don't see them doing that.
 
Cunningham is currently 9th on the WR depth chart (unofficially). JuJu, Thornton, Parker, and Bourne were out of practice today. The guys that saw a lot of work in practice were Kayshon Boutte, Demario Douglas, and Tre Nixon. Newly signed WR Ed Lee and Cunningham each stayed after practice and got 20 minutes of extra work in with the three NE QBs. At one point, Boutte got an earful from OC Bill O'Brien for taking too long and not lining up properly.
 
He can also run the scout team and help them prepare to face Jalen Hurts Week 1. Not a huge deal, but it's something...
 
Sure, it was against third stringers, late in the 4th with the game out of hand and players trying not to get hurt, but I liked what I saw from Cunningham. Nixon dropped what should’ve been a touchdown on a pass Cunningham executed while on the run.
 
FFCollusion said:
Unfortunately he's listed as a QB on Yahoo, so basically useless for fantasy on that platform.
Click to expand...
If he eventually converts to WR full-time for the Pats, yes. If he somehow finds himself with regular season snaps behind center, he has enough juice as a runner to have Konami code upside. File that one under highly unlikely though. Better chance he ends up on the scout team than getting meaningful reps this season.
 
Last edited:
Lansdowne said:
Sure, it was against third stringers, late in the 4th with the game out of hand and players trying not to get hurt, but I liked what I saw from Cunningham. Nixon dropped what should’ve been a touchdown on a pass Cunningham executed while on the run.
Click to expand...
The way NE does things, if you are on the field at the end of a preseason game, chances are you are not getting considered as a long-term solution and are fighting for a spot on the practice squad. He looked good in a mop up role playing with and against guys that won't have a job in a few weeks. His value to NE is as a scout team QB for the defense to practice against when they face mobile QBs. Best case is they are able to stash him on the practice squad, he gets a full season of development, BOB sticks around, and then in a year or two he could take a step up to being a backup quarterback.
 
They don't seem to have any shortage of WRs with people tweeting about the other two rookies often. With Zappe they don't seem to have a shortage of young QBs either.

I don't recall their history of keeping three or a fourth on the PS. I read Slater has a protege this summer so that's probably an extra spot taken up. Maybe the best they can do is cut him on day two in hopes he gets to the PS.

I don't remember Edelman playing QB in the NFL just that he was a former QB.

I think Malik is more like Feliepe Franks right now. Clear intelligence and intrigue but what tangible can he contribute? Maybe they can dust off some Cam red zone plays and he can run them successfully? BB has to believe he can use Malik to do this or do that. If he wants time to develop as a WR or QB then he probably needs to bust it as a gunner or return guy or somesuch.
 
After becoming a darling of the Twitterverse (Xverse?) after his performance at QB in mop up duty against the Texans, Cunningham returned to practice yesterday and was working exclusively as a WR. I don't think NE considers him a QB prospect and are intent on seeing if he can transition to a receiver. He didn't really practice much at QB in camp until last week, when he took some snaps at QB in preparation for the HOU game.
 
Anarchy99 said:
After becoming a darling of the Twitterverse (Xverse?) after his performance at QB in mop up duty against the Texans, Cunningham returned to practice yesterday and was working exclusively as a WR. I don't think NE considers him a QB prospect and are intent on seeing if he can transition to a receiver. He didn't really practice much at QB in camp until last week, when he took some snaps at QB in preparation for the HOU game.
Click to expand...

From BSJ:

Malik Cunningham not a QB ... yet: Fresh off his staring role against the Texans, Malik Cunningham was still in a white WR jersey and hasn't been moved full-time to QB. He did take the first snap of team at QB before the rain came, and made an appearance in the red zone. But that was about it.
 
Boston said:
Anarchy99 said:
After becoming a darling of the Twitterverse (Xverse?) after his performance at QB in mop up duty against the Texans, Cunningham returned to practice yesterday and was working exclusively as a WR. I don't think NE considers him a QB prospect and are intent on seeing if he can transition to a receiver. He didn't really practice much at QB in camp until last week, when he took some snaps at QB in preparation for the HOU game.
Click to expand...

From BSJ:

Malik Cunningham not a QB ... yet: Fresh off his staring role against the Texans, Malik Cunningham was still in a white WR jersey and hasn't been moved full-time to QB. He did take the first snap of team at QB before the rain came, and made an appearance in the red zone. But that was about it.
Click to expand...
I have a hard time figuring out what they will do with him and if he will end up on the 53-man roster. McSorley looks like nothing more than a camp body (unless his history with BOB carries any weight). Cunningham could be their emergency / 3rd QB used primarily as a scout team QB to help the defense better prepare for mobile QBs. I also suppose they could try to turn him into something as a WR, but I have not heard a peep about how he's been doing in practice as a receiver. Maybe they will give him some wildcat plays and have him around as a gadget play specialist. But I don't see him being a big contributor this year (he needs further development and seasoning).

There really wasn't much talk about him in camp except for the great catch Boutte had the other day (which was from Cunningham). Bedard was the one that said he was practicing at WR. Maybe they will keep him on the main roster to start the season and then try to get him on the practice squad. Or maybe they will put him on IR to keep him in the organization (but that would be counterproductive as he wouldn't be able to practice).
 
If this guy makes the roster, I've come to the conclusion that New England is really going to finish last in the AFC East.

Anybody watch the Jets second-string defense shut out the Panthers this weekend? That was something else. We didn't have a first-stringer in there and the Carolina Panthers played their first team for the first quarter. They got one first down on a pass underneath, putting them around their own 35. Otherwise, they went nowhere fast.

Good luck with Malik Cunningham in the red zone. LOLOLOL.
 
rockaction said:
If this guy makes the roster, I've come to the conclusion that New England is really going to finish last in the AFC East.

Anybody watch the Jets second-string defense shut out the Panthers this weekend? That was something else. We didn't have a first-stringer in there and the Carolina Panthers played their first team for the first quarter. They got one first down on a pass underneath, putting them around their own 35. Otherwise, they went nowhere fast.

Good luck with Malik Cunningham in the red zone. LOLOLOL.
Click to expand...
The reason he would make the roster is they have some level of interest in developing him as a longer-term investment. He has athleticism that the rest of the roster does not really offer. They already gave him $200K guaranteed (which IIRC was is the most ever given to an UDFA). Ideally, they would keep him around on the practice squad. However, they would have to release him and then resign him to the practice squad, and they run the risk of having another team poach him. I'm with you that leading a scoring drive at the end of a preseason game against guys that could be selling insurance and working at Starbuck's in a few weeks really is nothing to get frothy over. But they obviously scouted him a lot and see something that they like as a potential asset.
 
Anarchy99 said:
Boston said:
Anarchy99 said:
After becoming a darling of the Twitterverse (Xverse?) after his performance at QB in mop up duty against the Texans, Cunningham returned to practice yesterday and was working exclusively as a WR. I don't think NE considers him a QB prospect and are intent on seeing if he can transition to a receiver. He didn't really practice much at QB in camp until last week, when he took some snaps at QB in preparation for the HOU game.
Click to expand...

From BSJ:

Malik Cunningham not a QB ... yet: Fresh off his staring role against the Texans, Malik Cunningham was still in a white WR jersey and hasn't been moved full-time to QB. He did take the first snap of team at QB before the rain came, and made an appearance in the red zone. But that was about it.
Click to expand...
I have a hard time figuring out what they will do with him and if he will end up on the 53-man roster. McSorley looks like nothing more than a camp body (unless his history with BOB carries any weight). Cunningham could be their emergency / 3rd QB used primarily as a scout team QB to help the defense better prepare for mobile QBs. I also suppose they could try to turn him into something as a WR, but I have not heard a peep about how he's been doing in practice as a receiver. Maybe they will give him some wildcat plays and have him around as a gadget play specialist. But I don't see him being a big contributor this year (he needs further development and seasoning).

There really wasn't much talk about him in camp except for the great catch Boutte had the other day (which was from Cunningham). Bedard was the one that said he was practicing at WR. Maybe they will keep him on the main roster to start the season and then try to get him on the practice squad. Or maybe they will put him on IR to keep him in the organization (but that would be counterproductive as he wouldn't be able to practice).
Click to expand...

I would like to see them keep him at QB this year and see how he develops...the Pats are at a crossroads at the QB position...hopefully Mac recovers from last year and leaves no doubt he is a legit NFL starter that you can win with...that is easily the best-case scenario both short and long term...things get beyond dicey if he is merely OK and his lack of athleticism limits his upside and they determine he is not the long-term answer...I like Zappe but think it is stretch to think he can be a franchise QB...he will have a nice NFL career, but my guess is it will be one like a Chase Daniels where he will be viewed as a reliable back-up...because of this uncertainty I'd like to keep Cunningham around and see how he progresses as it gives you another chance to get this position figured out although it is obviously a very long shot...if Mac is not the long term answer and they don't hit the lottery with either Zappe or Cunningham they will have to start from scratch at the QB position after 4 years post-TB12...that would be absolutely devastating for the franchise...due to the importance of the QB position in today's NFL I would rather do a Hail Mary with Cunningham rather than keep one of BB's special teams binkies as that part of the game is being de-emphasized more and more.
 
Boston said:
They will have to start from scratch at the QB position after 4 years post-TB12...that would be absolutely devastating for the franchise.
Click to expand...
There is absolutely no doubt that NE got an extended run and were incredibly fortunate with Brady for almost two decades. LOTS of teams have struggled for long stretched to find a franchise QB that they could keep around for a decade plus. The Bills before Allen, the Jets, and the Dolphins haven't had that guy for decades. Maybe the Jets turn the corner with A-Rod. Maybe the Fins have their guy in Tua. But all three of those teams have had QB rooms stocked with mediocre options for years. Many other teams have struggled to find "the guy" as well.

Beat guys that have been at practice every day in camp will suggest that Zappe is just a JAG. They feel he doesn't have the skill set or the decision making to be a regular starter. Many folks think his upside is that as a backup and occasional fill-in, but he won't ever be a full-time, impact starter. I think their opinions would likely be similar on Cunningham . . . that someday he could possibly be a decent fit as a backup to a team with a mobile QB and a system that integrates more RPO's than NE will ever run. Even if he could develop some, I don't think he fits with what BB and NE runs offensively. They would likely need to design a new scheme that better fit his strengths . . . and we know how much BB is resistant to change. I can see where they think he has upside as a WR . . . but I don't see that he would be a great option at QB for them.
 
Not surprising. They needed the roster spots for other players. These two will end up on the practice squad. NE may explore other backup options as well. This is just BB making full use of all the 53-man and 10-man practice squad spots (and possibly IR rules as well).
 
zamboni said:
Not only elevated but given a 3 year deal. Anything to see here?
Click to expand...
Not sure, but in my dynasty league I decided not to wait to find out. To the end of my bench he goes. I’m too far back in waiver priority so if he shows anything in tomorrow’s game it’d be too late for me to get him. And if he shows nothing then I can make room for another dart throw in his place. I’m intrigued though.

Edit - will be interesting to see if Yahoo adds WR eligibility at some point. Depends how the Pats use Cunningham. Yahoo has made changes in-season before. If he gets that WR designation and ends up getting QB snaps then look out, instant cheat code.
 
Last edited:
I have no idea why I felt the need to correct that. Maybe it's because this thread is about worthy of that sort of thing.

Malik Cunningham? I don't want to disparage the man, but this all hardly seems worth the energy. Perhaps he will prove me wrong someday. Until then, I ride . . .
 
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