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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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Sep 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) looks to pass during the 2016 Chick-Fil-A Kickoff game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Georgia Dome. Georgia won 33-24. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) looks to pass during the 2016 Chick-Fil-A Kickoff game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Georgia Dome. Georgia won 33-24. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mitch Trubisky

QB, UNC

University of North Carolina quarterback has to be watching the Kyle Shanahan to the San Francisco 49ers rumors very carefully. Shanahan has led the Atlanta Falcons to a historic offensive season as their offensive coordinator this season, and will get a chance to earn a spot in Super Bowl 51 this weekend. Trubisky should be the first quarterback off of the board next April, with his most logical destination being San Francisco.

The 49ers had the second-worst record in football this past season thanks to a number of reasons. One of the biggest reasons was the play of their quarterbacks, who had some of the worst passer ratings in the league. They have to turn the page on Colin Kaepernick and Blaine Gabbert, and Trubisky is one of those players who could step right in and play starting in Week 1.

Trubisky only started one season for the Tar Heels, but his accuracy was on full display throughout the 2016 season. At the next level, being an accurate passer is much more important than being able to throw the ball a mile, though Trubisky has a legitimate NFL arm as well. San Francisco is going to have some bumps next season, but plugging in a rookie quarterback and letting him get used to the NFL, i.e. Derek Carr, is exactly what they need to turn the franchise around.

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