Detroit Lions 2017 NFL Draft Watchlist: LSU vs. Florida

The top player in the 2017 draft?

Junior, Leonard Fournette (#7, 6’0 1/2″ 230) is considered by many to be the best player in this draft, often finding himself at the top of several evaluators big boards, including ESPN’s Todd McShay. Fournette is a big, strong, finely tuned athlete, who punishes defenders with his aggressive running style. Because of his body type and athleticism, he has drawn comparisons to Adrian Peterson.

When you watch his highlights, it’s easy to understand why people are so high on Fournette’s future.

Pump the brakes on the hype train

While his punishing style and nimble feet are impressive, there are still flaws to his game that will cause evaluators to pump the brakes on his hype train. Local draft evaluator Jeff Risdon, had this to say going into the season:

"The more casual fans are gaga over Fournette’s blend of power, speed and highlight-reel runs. Scouts tend to have a more critical eye on the junior. Watch this game to see why scouts might question his acceleration and leg drive in traffic. The scouting rep is No. 7 needs a bit of an open runway to get going, and he’s too easily tackled behind the line."

Add in an ankle injury that has lingered since fall camp, forcing him to miss three games this season, and scouts will have another question: why he’s not healing properly?

Potentially complicating matters even further, on Tuesday, Fournette spoke to SEC Country and stated that he’s not sure if he’s mentally “completely ready” to face grown men. While that statement is very candid and self-aware, it’s going to raise more questions about his preparedness for the NFL.

There is no questioning that Fournette is a NFL running back. And he could thrive in the right system. But be careful not to get fooled by the national hype in thinking that he will have an Adrian Peterson type impact.

Be prepared to see him projected in the top five picks of many mock drafts, like Matt Miller’s latest, where he has him going second overall. But come April, if a team selects him that high it will be because they can’t see past his highlights.

A name to know for 2018

Derrius Guice (#5, 5’11”, 222) is supremely talented running back, who has started in Fournette’s place when injured, and split reps when not. He is a big back who runs with violence and is averaging 8.3 yards per rush on the season. As a true sophomore, Guice is not eligible for the 2017 draft, but he is someone to keep an close eye on for the 2018 draft.