Scouting Reports: RB Leonard Fournette

Leonard Fournette, LSU

6’0”, 240 lbs.

Pros:

• Big, physical back capable of running between the tackles and punishing opposing defenders.
• Good speed and agility for his size, will break some big gains as well as fight for the tough yards.
• Shows promise as a receiver.
• Displays good vision and finds the proper hole.
• Can consistently make positive yards even if the play is defended well.
• True workhorse back capable of 25-30 carries in a game if you need him.

Cons:

• Though shows promise as a receiver, he was underutilized and needs to work on routes out of the backfield.
• Not a great pass blocker.
• Doesn’t try to make guys miss down the field, just tries to run them over instead. That won’t work as well in the NFL.
• Has had some fumbling issues.

Overall:

Fournette is the top back in this draft class and looks to be a true franchise caliber back. He has all the makings of a workhorse running back who can get 300 carries a year if you need him too. While he didn’t see much pass game work at LSU, Fournette could be a weapon out of the backfield as well, as he won’t be an easy guy for linebackers to cover.

Fournette will get knocked by some for some underwhelming games versus Alabama, but that is a pretty unfair critique. LSU’s offense has had almost zero passing game threat these past couple years, so Alabama (and some other top defenses) were just able to stack the box every single play. Fournette simply had nowhere to run in those games, but that shouldn’t knock him from the top RB spot in this class.

Fournette is rare power back with both size and speed, and he can make a major impact as a rookie. Few backs in the league are true difference makers, but he has the chance to join that club and become an offensive weapon capable of carrying a team.