Carolina Panthers: A Trade Up For Leonard Fournette? Believe It
By Erik Lambert
The Carolina Panthers had a lot of things go wrong for them in 2016. That said they know they’re at a point or on or two moves could change that.
They’re still a really good football team with a strong defense and a stud quarterback in Cam Newton. It becomes a matter of figuring out where they went wrong last year. Well injuries often play a part in such things and the Panthers had their fair share. Still if one were being honest their downfall came as result of two keys. First was allowing All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman to walk in free agency, opening a giant hole in their secondary.
The other? Their running game. Jonathan Stewart was a huge reason why they had so much success during the 15-1 season in 2015. He finished just shy of 1,000 yards and was a major catalyst in the playoffs. That changed last season. His effectiveness took a noticeable dip as he finished with fewer yards and averaged fewer yards per carry. That inability to balance the offense led to Newton taking a severe beating from opposing pass rushes.
It seems the Panthers took notice of this, and might be planning a response. If Stewart, who is now 30-years old, is done then it’s time to find his replacement. They may have their sights set on somebody too.
"“Early this draft season, during a phone call with Leonard Fournette, he asked me if I thought he could fall to the Carolina Panthers. I told him it was possible, but probably not happening. As reported above, though, the Panthers could be on their way up the board. If a trade up happens, could Fournette be the target? Ian Rapoport of NFL Network tweeted that head coach Ron Rivera will be at Fournette’s pro day and that no spot is “too high” to draft a running back. Fournette and Cam Newton in the same backfield would be terrifying.”"
Leonard Fournette is considered one of the most talented running backs to come out of college in a decade. A big back with power who can also run fast. There may not be a more frightening combination in the sport. Even with defenses stacking the box in college, Fournette still dominated in so many games. He is that type of presence opponents just can’t ignore, which is why he would be enticing to Carolina.
Not only do they like running the football, but just imagine it. Give the opponent a choice. Stack the box to stop Fournette? Newton has single coverage across the board. Back away to controll the passing game? Fournette has more lanes on the ground. It’s a classic pick-your-poison scenario that could prove devastating to the balance of power in the NFC. No wonder the Panthers seem to have no fear of the idea about trading up.