Fansided
Fansided

2017 NFL mock draft: FanSided experts pick for their teams

By George Stockburger

Sep 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) in game action against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Texas A&M won 45-24. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) in game action against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Texas A&M won 45-24. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
9 of 36
Next
Sep 24, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) carries against the Auburn Tigers during the first quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) carries against the Auburn Tigers during the first quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports /

8. player. 87. LSU running back Leonard Fournette is the offensive weapon quarterback Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers need. Newton absorbed far too many hits last season both in the pocket and running the football. His long-term health and sustainability as the franchise quarterback is in need of a feature back to help alleviate his necessity as the team’s number one running threat. <p>Current starter Jonathan Stewart is 30-years old and has not played a full 16 games since the 2011 season. Adding an additional weapon in the running game and having an effective veteran to mentor Fournette’s transition to the NFL is a win-win situation. Fournette’s workload can be limited allowing each to be at full strength throughout the duration of the season.</p> <p>The 6-foot, 240 pound back ran a 4.51 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine displaying good speed for a back his size. That size, power and running style allow him to repeatedly shake off tacklers, often delivering hits of his own. Fournette perfectly fits the Panthers’ power running game and should be an impact player from day one.</p> <p>Drawing early comparisons to great running backs Bo Jackson and Adrian Peterson, Fournette and the Carolina offense are a dream combination.</p>. RB. LSU. Leonard Fournette

For more on the Carolina Panthers, please check out Cat Crave for all the latest news and analysis.

Home/Mock Drafts