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NFL Mock Draft 2017: Defense rules early

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 17, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) is defended by Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive back Lashard Durr (25) during the first quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) is defended by Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive back Lashard Durr (25) during the first quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Leonard Fournette

RB, LSU

The Carolina Panthers decided to bring back running back Jonathan Stewart on a one-year deal this offseason, but he has not been as productive as he has been in the past as of late. Stewart rushed for over 100 yards only one time last season, and his days as a top back in an offense have come to an end. The Panthers need to bring in someone to take the reins from him, and Leonard Fournette of LSU is the best running back prospect in this draft.

While Fournette may be off the board at this point, as some like him going to the Jacksonville Jaguars at No. 4, we expect him to be available at No. 8. Quarterback Cam Newton was beaten up last season, and needs someone behind him who can actually scare the defense into respecting the run. Fournette was a beast during his time with the Tigers, and is one of those guys who is physically NFL-ready right now.

This offseason, the Panthers made a ton of moves to bolster their defense, especially up front. Julius Peppers is back with the organization that drafted him, and the team spent a lot of money to bring back Kawann Short for the next five years. The defense should be fine, and if the Panthers can bring in a solid weapon on offense, they should be back in the playoffs after a one-year hiatus.

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