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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Jets, Browns land quarterbacks

By Brad Weiss

Nov 19, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) looks to pass in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) looks to pass in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 22, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) before a game against the Mississippi Rebels at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) before a game against the Mississippi Rebels at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Leonard Fournette

RB, LSU

The offseason, the Carolina Panthers have done a nice job making sure their defense will be strong in 2017. The defensive line should be solid with players like Mario Addison and Charles Johnson returning, and they will also have Julius Peppers back in the fold next season. The NFC South is loaded with teams who can put points on the board, so that definitely was a priority thus far.

In the draft, the Panthers should look to add a nice piece to the offense, and they should be able to get their choice of running backs. Quarterback Cam Newton is one of the best in the game, and wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin looks fully healed from an ACL tear that took away his 2015 season. Last season, Jonathan Stewart went over 100 yards only one time from his running back position, so they could certainly use a boost there.

There was a ton of hype around Leonard Fournette during his time at LSU, and he did not disappoint. However, he had a rough showing at the NFL Scouting Combine, which surprised the NFL scouts who saw him as a top-10 draft pick. He made up for that at his Pro Day, dropping 12 pounds and showing the ability not only to run, but also great hands as well. He would be a solid player alongside Stewart in the backfield next season.

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