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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Running backs steal spotlight

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 25, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross (1) makes a catch in front of Washington State Cougars cornerback Darrien Molton (3) during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross (1) makes a catch in front of Washington State Cougars cornerback Darrien Molton (3) during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /
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John Ross

WR, Washington

The drafting of Carson Wentz proved to be a stroke of genius for the Philadelphia Eagles, who implanted him as their starting quarterback from Week 1 on. Derek Carr of the Oakland Raiders went through the same bumps that Wentz went through during his rookie season, and you can see where he is at with his development three years later. The Eagles are hoping Wentz will have the same maturation, but first they need to put some talent around him.

One year after drafting Carr, the Raiders went out and selected Amari Cooper from the University of Alabama. Next April, the Eagles should do the same, as Washington’s John Ross has the talent to be an impact player in the NFL next season. Ross can beat a defense in so many ways, and he is coming off a year where he was the best wide receiver in a very deep Pac-12.

Philadelphia has a few holes to fill if they wish to make it to the playoffs, though they are currently playing in one of the deepest divisions in all of football. Both the Giants and Cowboys made it to the playoffs this season, and the Redskins won the division back in 2015. They need to build this thing around Wentz, and it starts with them putting a true WR1 on the outside to team with Jordan Matthews, who is a decent receiver in his own right.

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