NFL Draft Profile: Malik Cunningham, Quarterback, Louisville Cardinals

NFL Draft profile scouting report for Louisville QB Malik Cunningham

#3
Pos: QB
Ht: 5117
Wt: 192
Hand: 0948
Arm: 3138
Wing: 7778
40: 4.53
DOB: 10/6/1998
Hometown: Montgomery, AL
High School: Park Crossing
Eligibility: 2023

Malik Cunningham

Louisville Cardinals

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Quotes:

"Yeah, considering the style of play that I have, passing the ball has been very – I've tried to pattern my game around that because I've been running for a long time and just building the passing game and just being consistent for the most part and just trusting my receivers. When it's not there, of course, I'm going to take off and run. That's just the ability that God gave me. I can't do nothing about that." -- Louisville QB Malik Cunningham on his style of play

Evaluation:

A unique mix of dual-threat abilities, Cunningham can beat an opponent on any given play in an array of ways. He is capable of making the big-play deep ball pass, he can move the chains with his feet, either by design or improvised on the fly and we even saw him deceive the defense this past season lining up at wideout and catch a pass. Currently, he is most dangerous as a runner, showcasing extremely fast speed and elusiveness in the open field—he can take it the distance at any moment. With his passing style, Cunningham thrives with his ability to create outside the pocket, demonstrating the athleticism to throw on the run, off platform and can make the untraditional throw look easy. On the flipside, he will also tend to lock in on his targets at times. His accuracy continues to be somewhat of a roller-coaster ride. Cunningham battled through various injuries in 2022, which put a halt to his 40 consecutive games started streak; he’ll need to add some bulk for the next level. While the Alabama native never quite lived up to the hype at Louisville, Cunningham possesses numerous traits and characteristics that offensive coaches will be eager to work with. He should prove enticing enough to earn a spot on a practice squad and hang around to further develop his dynamic blend of skills.

Quotes:

"Considering the style of play that I have, passing the ball has been very – I've tried to pattern my game around that because I've been running for a long time and just building the passing game and just being consistent for the most part and just trusting my receivers. When it's not there, of course, I'm going to take off and run. That's just the ability that God gave me. I can't do nothing about that." — Louisville QB Malik Cunningham on his style of play 

Background:

Missed two games in 2022 against Virginia and Kentucky due to a concussion and shoulder injury; dual-threat play style could raise durability concerns. Bided his time patiently playing behind Lamar Jackson upon his arrival at Louisville. In 49 games played, tallied 7,889 career passing yards, for 20 touchdowns, along with 38 rushing touchdowns and 28 interceptions; had nine career completions of at least 75 yards. In 2022, Cunningham completed 62.4% of his passes, for 1,568 passing yards, 565 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in 10 games. Hails from Montgomery, Alabama; son of Stacy Skanes and Michael Cunningham. Attended Park Crossing High School and finished his career with 8,470 all-purpose yards; was a four-star recruit. At Louisville, he graduated in 2020 with a Communications Degree and is in the Arts and Science Post Baccalaureate Program. Cunningham initially went by his middle name Malik, before briefly changing back to his true first name Micale but ultimately reverting back to Malik permanently in 2020.