Carolina Panthers drafting either Leonard Fournette or Dalvin Cook? NFL mock drafts 1.0

Since the Charlotte Hornets are on the All-Star break, I decided started to looking at some 2017 NFL Mock Drafts and see what some analysts think what the Carolina Panthers will do in the first round. CBS Sports, Bleacher Report and NFL.com all believe that the Panthers will draft running back, Leonard Fournette from LSU with the 8^th pick in the draft. While, SB Nation also believes that the Panthers will draft Leonard Fournette, but will make a trade with the Tennessee Titans to move up to the fifth spot while Tennessee will move down to the 8^th spot and taking the 72th pick from us. Panthers would be leapfrogging the New York Jets to get Fournette. The only site I found that didn’t have the Panthers drafting Fournette, was FoxSports who predicts the Panthers to draft running back Dalvin Cook from Florida State with the 8^th pick in the draft.

Coming out of high school Leonard Fournette was the number one recruit in the nation and decided to stay home and play for LSU. As a true freshman, he led SEC in all-purpose yards (137.4 per game; 1,034 rushing yards and 625 on kickoff returns). He followed that up his Sophomore year with nearly hitting the 2,000-yard mark (1,953) and scoring 22 touchdowns. But before his junior year he suffered an ankle injury, which limited him to play seven games and skipping LSU bowl game. Fournette strengths are; he’s built like a linebacker with speed of a receiver. Long, powerful strides that hit second gear faster than most big backs. Has balance and power to plow through tackle attempts and with a punishing stiff arm. Has experience running from two-back, single-back and off-set looks. Hands are adequate in passing game. Can create for himself with power and speed. Wins in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Leonard Fournette weaknesses are Aggressive, take-on style could lead to shortened career. Struggled with a bad ankle for most of the season. Too quick to hit the accelerator and slam into defenders when there are still cuts and yards left in the play. Doesn't see cutback lanes developing as outside zone runner and prefers to keep runs play-side. Pass protection and routes need extensive work.

Dalvin Cook is first FSU player to break the 1,000-yard mark as a freshman. Next two years only got better, scoring 19 times, and earning All-ACC both years. Also, named 2016 first-team All-American by Associated Press. But has had some injuries and run in with the law; had hamstring issues in 2015 and three shoulder surgeries since high school, also tore his rotator cuff in high school, then tore part of his labrum in 2014 and again in 2016. His run in with law started when he was in high school, robbery in 2009 (charges dropped); firing and possessing a weapon on school property in 2010 (charges dropped) and again in 2015 where he was charged with misdemeanor battery outside a bar (found not guilty). Dalvin Cook strengths, compact stride length downhill. Cook flourished in zone, gap, and power schemes at FSU. His best is when running wide allowing lead blockers to set up. Able to escape defenders with good vision and hesitation steps and the ability to change directions with ease. Great red zone runner; brighter the lights, the better he plays. He’s comfortable in both one-back and two-back groupings. Can be dangerous out of the backfield. Delvin Cook weaknesses are not always a tough inside runner, needs to be more comfortable between the tackles. Needs to work on his stiff-arm, inconsistent hands; ball security is an issue with 13 career fumbles. Won’t square-up on blitzers and may not be reliable enough as a blocker to play on third downs.

With the Panthers cutting Fullback Mike Tolbert today which means two things for the Panthers. First the Panthers will probably sign free agent wide receiver Victor Cruz and draft a running back in this year draft. Which the Panthers desperately need Jonathan Stewart is getting up there in age and always gets hurt mid-way in the season and Cameron Artis-Payne hasn’t showed that he can take Stewarts place. Out of the two running backs I just talked about I would rather have the Panthers draft Dalvin Cook. I seen Cook play in person, when he went to Raleigh and played NC State. I can see him being a great running back in the NFL and fitting in with the Panthers offense well. The past injuries and Criminal background is worrying and something to keep a close-eye on. But at the same time if the Panthers do draft Fournette I would be OK with that too. Fournette is a great running back and I can see him being the next Jonathan Stewart but with that ankle injury just doesn’t feel like the best pick for the Panthers. There is over a month until the NFL draft and more likely things will change, Tell me who you want the Panthers to draft in this year draft!