Malik Cunningham has come on over the last few years as a Lamar Jackson-style quarterback, using his athleticism and underrated passing ability to make big plays for Louisville. Cunningham’s growth as a leader and a player has been stellar for him, showing maturity and growth. 

There still is some upside to Malik Cunningham’s game, as he can clean up his feet and really work on keeping to his fundamentals through pressure. Whether that is ever realized or not is up for debate. 

Heck of a throw from Malik Cunningham 🎯 https://t.co/iAPfDEtjwZ

— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) February 4, 2023

Suffered an injury against Pitt in 2020 that forced him to miss the backend of a game. Struggled through some injuries at the end of 2022. 

Malik Cunningham’s scouting report

Quarterback Ability (65)

Arm Talent: 20

• Arm Strength (8/10) – Cunningham’s arm strength is good. He can push the ball fifty-sixty yards down the field when he needs to. 
• Touch Ability (3.5/5) – Flashes the ability to throw with touch into the layers of coverage. 
• Release (2.5/5) – Very low release point, which is not promising considering Cunningham’s lack of traditional size. 

Accuracy/Placement: 25

• Accuracy (8/15) – Flashes the ability to throw accurately both from the pocket and outside the pocket rolling and off platform. Very inconsistent. Struggles to hit on throws outside of the numbers. 
• Placement/Vision (6.5/10) – Flashes incredible placement on deep ball ability, especially throwing the outside shoulder. It’s only in flashes, however, as consistency is non-existent. Consistently misses and forces receivers to adjust to lower-level throws. Throws timing concepts on time. Flashes some crazy placement through traffic in the all-star games. 

Pocket Presence: 10

• Pocket Positioning (3/5) – Flashes the ability to stand in there and make good throws while under duress… but not nearly consistent enough. 
• Pocket Maneuverability (2.5/5) – Just does not feel pressure well at all. 

Footwork: 10

• Consistency (2.5/5) – Footwork is all over the place. Not consistent in the slightest. Doesn’t always step into the throw either, especially when under pressure. 
• Quickness (3.5/5) – Very quick feet when he wants them to be. Needs to speed up his drop back process. 

Athleticism (20)

Mobility: 12

• Outside of the pocket (6/7) – Malik Cunningham is more than capable of getting outside of the pocket to extend plays and create opportunities. Struggles sometimes to escape the pocket. Excellent athlete regardless who can throw decently well on the move. 
• Downfield Ability (4.5/5) – More than capable athlete moving down the field. Cunningham is an excellent athlete and runner of the ball. Very sneaky and smooth as a runner. Was often the best athlete on the field. 

Improvability: 8

• Natural Improvability (3/4) – Excellent improv artist, especially making things happen with his legs and field vision as a runner. 
• Play Extension (2/4) – I don’t see a lot of ability from Cunningham to extend plays properly. 

Intelligence (15)

Football IQ/Field Vision: 10

• Football Intelligence (3.5/5) – Will try to force the football downfield to make big plays. Not particularly wise in many of his decisions. Very smart quarterback who understands the game very well. Should be targeted by 
• Ability to read pre-snap (3/5) – Struggled with pre-snap reads at times throughout his career and tried to push the ball into areas that could have been identified pre-snap. 

Overall: (68.5) – 6th/PFA