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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Patrick Mahomes on the rise

By Brad Weiss

Oct 24, 2015; Norman, OK, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Patrick Mahomes (5) looks to pass the ball against the Oklahoma Sooners during the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2015; Norman, OK, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Patrick Mahomes (5) looks to pass the ball against the Oklahoma Sooners during the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-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 /
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Leonard Fournette

RB, LSU

While Jonathan Stewart is still a productive back, the Carolina Panthers have to start looking towards the future. The Panthers followed up a berth in the Super Bowl with a playoff-less season, with quarterback Cam Newton taking way too many hits. Newton is one of the best quarterbacks in the game, but if he continues to get crushed like he did in 2016, his career will be much shorter than it should be.

During his time at LSU, Leonard Fournette was an incredible specimen, possessing NFL skills at the running back position. In fact, while he was very productive in college, he may actually be a better player at the next level. Teaming Fournette with Stewart would give the Panthers an incredible duo in the backfield, while taking some of the pressure off of Newton.

Carolina still has a ton of talent on their roster, and could be back in the playoffs in 2017. Newton is a transcendent player, and now that wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin is back healthy, the Panthers should be pretty tough to stop on the offensive side of the ball. Fournette is going to be a very good pro, and in Carolina, he would be a perfect fit for their offense.

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