2017 NFL Mock Draft: Leonard Fournette to the Jacksonville Jaguars

Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU

Here's a little stat run down:

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 240lbs

Total Yards: 3,830 yds

TD: 40

Avg yards: 6.2

The Player

Fournette's college career can only be described as almost great. His Freshman and Sophomore years were both very successful, with 1,034 and 1,953 yards respectively. Many thought he would be a top candidate for the Heisman if his Junior year went as well as his previous seasons. Sadly for Fournette that was not the case. With a high ankle sprain that nagged him throughout the season, Fournette only managed 843 yards. Forget that though, because this man is a freak athlete and is completely worth it as the 4th pick.

Fournette is one of the strongest runners you will ever see, with him leading the nation in forced missed tackles with 83 in 2015. That year he also had the second most yards gained after contact, only behind Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry. Watching this man hit the hole with as much speed and power that he has is so much fun. In general, the athletic ability that this man brings to the table is just amazing. Leonard Fournette is big, 240lbs big and quick for that size with a 4.51 40 yard dash time. He won't make you miss with his agility like a LeSean McCoy type of RB would but that doesn't matter, because he will just run you over with his speed and intensity. During his 2016 season game against Ol' Miss, he hit a top speed of 22.9 MPH. Compare that to the speedster Tyreke Hill who's top speed was 23.24 MPH and pair that with Fournette's size and that he had just came back from an ankle injury, and you will see why this guy is considered one of the better running backs to come into the draft in recent years. The hype for him is real and the talent just radiates off this kid every time you watch him.

Funny thing is that Fournette's biggest problem may be that he's getting a bit over-hyped. The NFL's official scouting report compares him to Bo Jackson, which is just ridiculous, and there are many who say he is the best RB since Adrian Peterson. That is a lot to live up to. Many people are also worried about Fournette's inexperience as a pass blocker because he stayed in the block only 130 times in his college career. Though when he was in the pass block, he had a 97% efficiency. He doesn't have much experience as a receiver either, catching only 40 passes in his career.  Some teams may not like that his isn't a multi-tool-esque RB, but not many workhorse backs are.

Yeah, but why the Jaguars?

For me, Fournette is the only pick here for the Jaguars worth making. Leonard Fournette would make the Jaguar's offense one of the best in the league. With Allen Hurns and Allen Robinson at WR, Mercedes Lewis and Julius Thomas at TE and now TJ Yeldon and Fournette in the backfield, the Jaguars would have the ability to compete in a very weak, though up and coming, AFC South.

Also when a team has a mediocre QB like Bortles, they must have a workhorse back to take pressure off the QB. TJ Yeldon was anything but a workhorse back with only 130 attempts last year. Speaking of TJ Yeldon, he had 465 yards as their starting RB last year. That is not great.

But Mr. Whalwing, Mr. Whalwing! Doesn't the Jaguars defensive line need some work? Wouldn't it be more appropriate if they picked Solomon Thomas or Jonathan Allen? Maybe even go after a safety in Jamal Adams?

Ah, very good questions my astute BGN commentor! Other than the fact that both Thomas and Allen have a very high chance of being gone already (as they were in our mock), the Jaguars made some big strides on the defensive side of the ball in free agency. They added Cardinals' Defensive Tackle Calais Campbell, Texans' Cornerback Aj Bouye and Cowboys' Safety Barry Church. Though these signings don't mean that they are out of the woods in any way shape or form on the defensive side of the ball, it would allow them to take BPA who I wholeheartedly believe is Fournette.

But Mr. Whalwing, Mr. Whalwing! Isn't Joe "Cold Cock" Mixon the best RB in the Draft?

Ah, my less astute BGN commentor! You can shut your damn mouth.

2017 BGN Mock Draft Order

1) Browns (JALupowitz): Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M
2) 49ers (sports00fan00): Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford
3) Bears (gubby): Jonathan Allen, DT, Alabama
4) Jaguars (TheWhalwing): Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU
5) Titans (drc242):
6) Jets (boomorbust):
7) Chargers (NowWhat?):
8) Panthers (B-Potts):
9) Bengals (Kiko’s Delivery Service):
10) Bills (jimmyrustler):
11) Saints (NotSoSlick):
12) Browns (Straight Edge Sid):
13) Cardinals (Paulie97):
14) Eagles (ablesser88):
15) Colts (mconner96):
16) Ravens (The Man, The Myth, the Matthews!):
17) Washington (kbruneault):
18) Titans (mchiodo):
19) Buccaneers (ei78):
20) Broncos (NVEaglesShark):
21) Lions (Shark Fighter):
22) Dolphins (J. Wil):
23) Giants (BigWardy59):
24) Raiders (big DUB):
25) Texans (GotFunds):
26) Seahawks (Rogmcc23):
27) Chiefs (B1G Cat):
28) Cowboys (RegalEagle):
29) Packers (Wutang_):
30) Steelers (General_Lee12): 
31) Falcons (SirJon):
32) Saints (Huffs_cellmate):