Remember Leonard Fournette? In case you forgot, the LSU running back’s performance against Ole Miss should remind you why he’s the next great NFL running back prospect.
Fournette’s rare blend of size, explosiveness, lower half bend and finishing ability as a bruising-yet-big-play back has scouts pondering whether he’s a better prospect than Todd Gurley and Ezekiel Elliott were before him.
MOCK DRAFT 2017: Browns, 49ers take calculated QB risks
Also in this NFL draft spotlight, a look at Oklahoma receiver Dede Westbrook and why you shouldn’t downplay his ability. Plus, a glance at the NFL draft quarterback rankings.
In case you forgot: Leonard Fournette is the next great NFL RB prospect
On a two-loss team and having missed four games this season, Fournette has been easy to forget. He’s no longer in Heisman consideration, and his offense has limited his breakout moments.
But Fournette on Saturday reminded everybody why he has deserved the "best in a decade" running back consideration since his freshman year at LSU.
Fournette’s 6-1, 240-pound frame is rare for a running back, let alone one who can both pivot to the perimeter and accelerate at the second level. His now-infamous bulldozing of Ole Miss’ Deontay Anderson stole the show in his 284-yard rushing performance, but that run only highlighted his rare combination of skills. His turn around the corner, burst to the perimeter and ability to sink low to meet the tackler at the shoulders will allow him to break off the same types of runs in the NFL.
Fournette’s top-end speed likely won’t be in the 4.4 range, but he can turn corners and get to his top speed smoothly and in a direct line to the end zone. This 76 yard run was largely set up by his blockers at the line of scrimmage, but Fournette’s burst once through the hole, including his tight shoulders to stay linear through the open field, allowed him to get to his top speed quickly and finish for a touchdown.
After seeing Todd Gurley and Ezekiel Elliott go top 10 in back to back drafts, Fournette seems likely to join the running back resurgence for NFL teams. And for good reason.
MORE: Is Fournette back in the Heisman race?
NFL teams are once again realizing that having a strong running game (and offensive line) takes remarkable pressure off young quarterbacks. Teams are better off stockpiling running back and offensive line talent, rather than relying too heavily on a QB. See Dallas as the obvious example, but also Cleveland, Philadelphia (earlier in the year) and Tennessee.
Despite the Dalvin Cook and Nick Chubb preseason buzz, Fournette is clearly the 2017 draft’s best running back. In some ways — and the Combine might crystallize this — he may be better than Gurley and Elliott. Fournette is the most talented runner to come out of college since Adrian Peterson, and his performance against Ole Miss reaffirmed that for college football fans and NFL evaluators alike.
Player spotlight: Dede Westbrook, WR, Oklahoma
Texas Tech and Oklahoma on Saturday played a shootout that saw historic passing, rushing and receiving totals … and historically bad defensive play and play-calling. Though for many players involved the game will go down as one of the most productive in their college careers, it won’t have much of an impact for NFL talent evaluators.
That said, Oklahoma receiver Dede Westbrook had a huge statistical performance (202 receiving yards and two touchdowns), but he also is a strong, under-appreciated prospect for the 2017 NFL Draft.
Westbrook is a bit undersized at 5-1, 170 pounds, and his frame might scare off some teams. But he’s a plus blocker and works physically through contact. His production, unlike some of his teammates and others in Air Raid offenses, stems from remarkable acceleration after the catch and awesome suddenness in his route tree. While his routes aren’t consistently crisp, his explosiveness at the break point and separation ability is natural and difficult for cornerbacks to anticipate.
His work on the inside and outside as a receiver, coupled with route and after-catch separation, points to a long NFL career. Though his frame his slight and the Sooners’ offense has frustrated evaluators, Westbrook should be a favorite among NFL teams looking for another Sterling Shepard to quickly emerge as a rookie contributor.
MORE: What to do with Michigan's Jabrill Peppers in the NFL
Top 10: Midseason quarterback rankings
After back-to-back years with quarterbacks going 1-2 in the draft, there’s a strong chance it happens again, with teams like the Browns, Bears and 49ers all needing “quarterbacks of the future." And while the quarterback grades below seem about normal for a draft class, they’re anything but trustworthy for NFL teams.
DeShone Kizer is highly advanced mechanically and timing-wise, but he hasn’t been a great big-game finisher. Deshaun Watson seems to be pressing too hard to develop in-season, and he has presented some frustrating film. Mitch Trubisky isn’t ready to play in the NFL, but he has gotten enough buzz in a lackluster class to potentially declare.
While it’s anything but locked in for a draft more than six months away, here’s where the top 10 at the quarterback position stands for the draft.
MORE: Pro scouts already looking deeper into QB pool
1. DeShone Kizer, Notre Dame* (first round)
2. Deshaun Watson, Clemson* (second)
3. Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State* (second)
4. Mitch Trubisky, North Carolina* (third)
5. Davis Webb, California (third)
6. Brad Kaaya, Miami (Fla.) (fourth)
7. CJ Beathard, Iowa (fourth)
8. Chad Kelly, Ole Miss (fifth)
9. JT Barrett, Ohio State* (sixth)
10. Patrick Towles, Boston College (sixth)
MORE: Watson or Lamar Jackson in the pros?
Something you missed: I’Tavius Mathers runs through Missouri
After pointing out Fournette’s game against Ole Miss, it’s fitting to also highlight somebody who left the Rebels' program and has emerged as an NFL prospect elsewhere.
I'Tavius Mathers, former Tennessee High School Player of the Year, transferred from Ole Miss after being a key rotation runner in 2013 and ’14. After just two starts with the Rebels and sitting out the 2015 season due to transfer rules, Mathers quickly assumed the starting job at Middle Tennessee State.
Thus far, he has taken full advantage. He has scored 10 touchdowns over his last five games and 130-plus rushing yards in his last four. But his play against former SEC foe Missouri might have put him firmly back in the minds of NFL evaluators.
The 5-11, 190-pound quick twitch runner ran for 217 yards and two touchdowns (one rushing, one receiving) against the struggling Tigers, including a 71-yard run that highlighted his explosiveness, suddenness at the second level and ability to finish runs. Mathers is fifth in the country in rushing yards and fourth in the country in yards per attempt (6.6) for running backs with over 100 carries.