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2017 NFL mock draft: Mitch Trubisky heads west

By Brad Weiss

Sep 19, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Budda Baker (32) warms-up before the start of a game against the Utah State Aggies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Budda Baker (32) warms-up before the start of a game against the Utah State Aggies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs 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 during the first quarter of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /
8

Leonard Fournette

RB, LSU

One of the bigger dissapointments of the 2016 NFL season was the Carolina Panthers, who failed to make the playoffs after representing the NFC in the Super Bowl the year before. Quarterback Cam Newton was running for his life most of the season, and despite the fact that the team got Kelvin Benjamin back, they were just not able to play consistent football throughout. Prior to the season, the Panthers let Josh Norman go in free agency, and his departure proved to be costly on the defensive side of the ball.

Jonathan Stewart is still a very good running back, but he is getting up there in age. The Panthers should look to add to  their running back depth in the draft, and Leonard Fournette of LSU is a good looking prospect. He has the ability to run over, or around the defense, and his breakaway speed would make him an impact player at the next level.

Carolina is still loaded with talent, and with a couple of moves, they could find themselves back in the playoffs next season. Newton is one of the best quarterback in football, and bringing a player like Fournette would give the team a bit of a safety valve against the blitz. Fournette is a top-10 talent, and if he is available at No. 8, the Panthers need to pounce on him.

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