2017 NFL Mock Draft: Panthers steal impact defensive prospect
6. player. 59. . Running Back. LSU. Leonard Fournette
The Miami Dolphins are not a strong football team. They have roster need all over the field on both sides of the ball. Offensive line and defensive back probably stand out as their largest needs, and they may want to start considering new quarterback options.
As important as that is, the Dolphins have an opportunity here to land a player who they can build their entire offense around. Leonard Fournette is the best in an absolutely loaded 2017 running back class. He was put on this planet to play running back in the NFL.
Fournette is a natural with the ball in his hands, showing elite level explosion and power with the ball in his hands.
He is not the fastest back in this class, but Fournette does have good breakaway speed and elite lateral quickness. He is a power guy, but do not look at him as slow. Fournette will create separation on the defense when the ball is in his hands.
He is not much of a pass catcher out of the backfield, and that is not ideal in today’s NFL. That being said, I personally think that he is just not asked to do that much at LSU.
Fournette has shown soft hands and good route running ability when given an opportunity, but the Tigers simply prefer to feed him the ball on the ground. Fournette is unproven as a pass catcher, but the skill-set is there.
The running back position has been devalued in the modern NFL, but elite talents are hard to find at any position. A strong, down-hill runner who will make an immediate impact, Fournette is undoubtedly an elite-level talent who the Dolphins would be wise to target if they have the opportunity.