NFL
2017 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting What Could Happen in the First Round
What needs will each NFL team try to fill during Round 1 of the 2017 NFL Draft? We use analytics to try to figure it out.

4. Jaguars: Leonard Fournette, Running Back

Top Needs: QB, RB, TE, IOL

For the Jacksonville Jaguars it’s a “best player available” (BPA) situation as they take running back Leonard Fournette out of LSU. The Jags came in at 29th in running back Total NEP per opportunity last year, and Fournette could be the stabilizing presence needed on offense.

Remember how impressive it was to see Derrick Henry dragging SEC defenders down the field on every carry? Fournette is better at it, and has been doing it since he was basically 18. The 6’1”, 230-pound bruiser runs a ridiculous 4.45 40-yard dash, and -- while he’s not quick or smooth in the hips -- he shifts his speeds up and down to change direction.

Fournette had the sixth-most rushing yards per attempt among FBS running backs to top 15 carries per game in his final year at LSU. His overall production was limited this season by an ankle injury, but Fournette led the SEC in all-purpose yards as a freshman, then posted nearly 2,000 yards and over 20 rushing touchdowns his sophomore year.

Prev Next

Related News

Every NFL Team's 2017 Draft Needs Based on Analytics

Joe Redemann  --  Mar 3rd, 2017

An Introduction to FanDuel Research

Jim Sannes  --  Mar 3rd, 2017

The Late-Round Fantasy Football Podcast, Mailbag 7/21/23

JJ Zachariason  --  Mar 3rd, 2017