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NFL Mock Draft: Deshaun Watson falling

By Brad Weiss

Oct 29, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) outruns Clemson linebacker Korrin Wiggins (15) at Doak Campbell Stadium. Clemson won 37-34. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Beil-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) outruns Clemson linebacker Korrin Wiggins (15) at Doak Campbell Stadium. Clemson won 37-34. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Beil-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs for a large gain after a reception during the first quarter of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs for a large gain after a reception during the first quarter of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /

RB. LSU. Leonard Fournette. 6. player. 87.

The Carolina Panthers need a new running back, as Jonathan Stewart is beginning to show his age this season. Quarterback Cam Newton is one of the most dynamic players in the NFL, but the hits are starting to take a toll on him. Drafting a player like Leonard Fournette would take the pressure off of Newton in the passing game, while allowing the team to have a legitimate option out of the backfield.

Fournette has had an up-and-down season for LSU this year, as he has battled back from a bone bruise in his ankle. Still, he is the best running back in this class, and when he is healthy, he is as dominating a player as there is in college football. He already looks like an NFL running back, and has shown that he can put up big yards in the best conference in college football.

Carolina has taken a major step back this season, and for them to go from the Super Bowl to drafting in the top-10 is very telling of their 2016 campaign. Newton needs help, and now that wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin is healthy, they should solidify their offense with a top back. Of all the backs in this class, Fournette is the only one who could have an Ezekiel Elliott-type difference next season.

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