Buffalo Bills: Scouting the 2017 NFL Draft for a Running Back

Leonard Fournette – Louisiana State

Junior, 6’1, 235lbs

Career: 616 carries, 3,830 yards, and 40 TDs

If you are the Buffalo Bills and you are going to take a player at a non-need position, it’s probably somebody that they ranked extremely high and feel they can’t pass up. Early in the first round, two running backs will be discussed for all teams, Fournette and Dalvin Cook.

The freakish size and ability of Fournette is why I think the Bills would take him over Cook if they so choose.

Let’s clear the air too, I am not saying Fournette is better than Cook. If the Bills didn’t have McCoy, I would take Cook here. Without the Bills trading or cutting McCoy, I can’t see them making a move for Cook.

When looking at Cook, I think him and Shady are almost twins in terms of strengths as runners. That’s a big compliment, because I think Shady is one of the top 3 running backs in the NFL.

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If the Buffalo Bills let Gillislee go, they will have a need for another touchdown maker. They will need a good complimentary back to McCoy who can pound defenses and wear them out. Remember that one guy we had 2 years ago that was overweight because he was up eating to support his wife?

Well Fournette is better than him, and hopefully has a better work ethic.

Dane Brugler from CBS Sports had this to say about Fournette:

"Built like a linebacker with his big-boned frame and developed physique. The most physical finisher at contact I’ve scouted at the position, delivering punishment with an impressive combination of violence, power and determination. Lowers his pads and looks like a hammer in search of a nail. Runs with outstanding balance to keep or regain his momentum while putting tire tracks on defenders."

Fournette has a lot of usage from college, but if his ankle injury is behind him, he can be a dominant NFL running back. How he would do in the zone-blocking scheme in Buffalo is something scouts would need to decide.

As a joke, but not really, Fournette will soften the blow from losing EJ Manuel too. You know, our 4th and inches hard count specialist? That taller QB for elite sneaks? Just hand it to Fournette and let him mash.

While that’s a true best player available scenario, Whaley is more likely to look at running back options later in the draft like he did with Jonathon Williams and Karlos Williams to find a Gillislee replacement.

Let’s look at who those could be.