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2017 NFL Draft: Draft Grades for Each First-Round Selection

By Dan Schmelzer

Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Mitchell Trubisky (North Carolina) is selected as the number 2 overall pick to the Chicago Bears in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Mitchell Trubisky (North Carolina) is selected as the number 2 overall pick to the Chicago Bears in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Leonard Fournette 2017 NFL Draft
Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Leonard Fournette (LSU) is selected as the number 4 overall pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

C+. . Running Back. Jacksonville Jaguars. LEONARD FOURNETTE

This was a tough grade for me to place. On one hand, Leonard Fournette is an absolute stud running back who helps give the Jacksonville Jaguars’ offense an identity. His power rushing style will immediately give them a chance to keep the offense on the field. Pairing Fournette with a talented defensive unit could make the Jaguars a threat, despite the rest of the offense.

That being said, it is hard for me to speak too highly of taking a running back this high. There was still a ton of premium defensive talent on the board for the Jaguars and every quarterback besides Trubisky. Blake Bortles clearly is not the long-term answer at the quarterback position so taking a true franchise quarterback would have made some sense.

Fournette is a great football player who will immediately give the Jaguars a chance to compete. Having him pound the rock will help keep the defense off of the field. The Jaguars defense is already a strong unit, but Fournette will help keep them fresh. Not to mention, Fournette obviously helps Bortles or whoever is taking snaps under center.

The Jaguars undoubtedly go better by adding Fournette to the mix. I just do not think they did as best as they could. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. Fournette may be the early favorite for 2017 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

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