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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Free agency provides shakeup

By Brad Weiss

December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams (7) against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams (7) against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 5, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) before a game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) before a game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
8

Leonard Fournette

RB, LSU

One year removed from representing the NFC in Super Bowl 50, the Carolina Panthers struggled through an inconsistent 2016 NFL season. However, they have used the beginning of the offseason to bolster the defensive side of the ball, bringing back defensive ends Charles Johnson and Mario Addison. In addition, the Panthers brought back a familiar face in Julius Peppers, giving them the pass-rusher they have been lacking in recent seasons.

The issue for the Panthers was the beating that Cam Newton took last season, so they went out and got a big body to put along the offensive line. Matt Kalil is going to slide into the team’s starting offensive tackle role, giving Newton the kind of pass protection he is going to need in a very deep NFC South. In April, the Panthers need to add to their backfield, and running back Leonard Fournette would be too good to pass up at No. 8.

Fournette is an NFL-ready back who should have an instant impact at the next level. The speedster from LSU had a rough NFL Scouting Combine, but that should not scare teams away from taking him. He could have the kind of impact Ezekiel Elliott had in Dallas last season, and while he probably will not lead the league in rushing, he will give the Panthers a dimension they have been missing for the last couple of seasons. Newton is relied upon too often in the red zone to pound it in, but that will change if they introduce Fournette to the fold.

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