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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Mitchell Trubisky to 49ers

By Brad Weiss

Dec 30, 2016; El Paso, TX, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) throws the ball against the Stanford Cardinal defense at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; El Paso, TX, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) throws the ball against the Stanford Cardinal defense at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 26, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) scores a touchdown after braking a tackle by Syracuse Orange cornerback Wayne Morgan (2) during the first quarter in a game at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) scores a touchdown after braking a tackle by Syracuse Orange cornerback Wayne Morgan (2) during the first quarter in a game at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /
8

Leonard Fournette

RB, LSU

The Carolina Panthers took a major step back in 2016, failing to make the playoffs after representing the NFC in the Super Bowl the year before. As they head into the 2017 offseason, they have some very good pieces in place, which includes one of the better quarterbacks in the league. While Cam Newton is certainly an MVP-type player still, he needs some help on the offensive side of the ball, and bringing in a young running back makes a lot of sense at No. 8.

Newton is often asked to get the tough yards on third down, or in the red zone, which leads to a lot of unnecessary hits. The Panthers should select Leonard Fournette eighth overall, as he has the potential to be a three-down back at the next level. He never truly reached his potential at LSU, and the odds are he will be an even better pro if he can get in the right system.

Fournette did not have a great combine, but there is enough tape on him to warrant him being the first running back off the board in April. He has the size and speed to run over, or around the defense, and he will have plenty of opportunity to do that if he goes to the Panthers. Carolina should be back in the mix for a playoff spot next season, but Newton’s career will not last long if he continues to get crushed week after week.

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