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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Mitch Trubisky, DeShone Kizer on the rise

By Brad Weiss

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 /
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Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs as guard Josh Boutte (76) blocks Arkansas Razorbacks linebacker Dwayne Eugene (35) during the second quarter of the game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. LSU won 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs as guard Josh Boutte (76) blocks Arkansas Razorbacks linebacker Dwayne Eugene (35) during the second quarter of the game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. LSU won 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /

LSU. Leonard Fournette. 9. player. 87. . RB

Leonard Fournette has made the decision to sit out his team’s bowl game and prepare for the NFL Draft. While that decision has come with mixed reactions, the bottom line is that he is best running back prospect in this draft. Fournette may go even higher than nine next April, but if he is available, he would be a perfect fit for the Carolina Panthers.

The Panthers have a lot of good, young talent on offense, including quarterback Cam Newton and wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin. However, at the running back position, they are getting long in the tooth, and Jonathan Stewart and Mike Tolbert are getting up there in age. Cam needs a nice young running back standing behind him on Sundays, so adding a running back has to be a priority for the Panthers.

Carolina is one year removed from appearing in the Super Bowl, but the 2016 season has been mired with disappointment. Still, they should be back in the mix for a playoff spot in 2017, as they have one of the better quarterback in the league in his prime. Fournette would give the Panthers a dynamic they have not seen in years, and the addition of Fournette would certainly take some of the pressure off of Newton on offense.

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