Fansided

2017 NFL Mock Draft: Deshaun Watson heads to Broadway

By Brad Weiss

Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) walks on the field during the first quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) walks on the field during the first quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 32
Next
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 /
8

Leonard Fournette

RB, LSU

Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers went from the Super Bowl to missing the playoffs in 2016, which was one of the bigger disappointments of the NFL season. Despite getting Kelvin Benjamin back healthy after a torn ACL, the Panthers just never played consistent football on a weekly basis. They are still loaded with talent, and if they can add a solid running back, their offense could be unstoppable next season as they look to reestablish themselves as a playoff contender.

Enter Leonard Fournette, who is highly regarded as the best running back prospect in this draft. Fournette has been a star during his time at LSU, and kept himself out of the team’s bowl game to get ready for the draft. He has been NFL-ready for sometime now, and if he can stay healthy at the next level, he could have a huge impact on the league in 2017.

Jonathan Stewart is still a decent back, but his days of carrying the load look to be over, even though he can be very productive. The team should look to keep him on, especially in goal line situations, while relying on Fournette to rack up between 20-25 carries per game during his rookie season. If Fournette falls to them at No. 8, the Panthers could have a serious 1-2 punch in their backfield next season.

Home/NFL