Quote:I dont know where this crap about Fournette being a poor blocker and poor receiver is coming from. I feel like you and others are just looking for a reason to pass on him. I read a lot of scouting reports and what you are saying isn't showing up anywhere. Let me show you some examples here:

 

CBS Sports:  <a class="bbc_url" href='http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/2131693/leonard-fournette'>http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/2131693/leonard-fournette</a>
"Solid receiving option with strong hands to finish catches in traffic -- also has experience tracking the ball downfield on wheel routes. Banger in pass protection, knocking rushers off balance when he launches his heavy shoulder into defenders." 


 
The Draftster: <a class="bbc_url" href='http://thedraftster.com/scouting-report-leonard-fournette-nfl-draft/'>http://thedraftster.com/scouting-report-leonard-fournette-nfl-draft/</a>

"He can be a receiving threat, not an option, a threat because he has the ability to catch and if he gets into the open field he will either outrun everyone or punish a tackler in the open field."


 
Fox Sports: <a class="bbc_url" href='http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/leonard-fournette-rb-lsu-2017-nfl-draft-scouting-report-010817'>http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/leonard-fournette-rb-lsu-2017-nfl-draft-scouting-report-010817</a>

"As a receiver, Fournette catches the ball with his hands and turns upfield quickly. Similar to when he takes the handoff, it doesn’t take long for Fournette to accelerate to full speed. Once that occurs, he looks for a defender to punish."[/size]


 
Walter Football (I don't put a ton of stock in this site but whatever): [/size]
<a class="bbc_url" href='http://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2017lfournette.php'>http://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2017lfournette.php</a>

• Has returned kicks
• Nice hands
• Has receiving ability
• Willing blocker in blitz pickup with potential to be very good

I'm not saying LF is perfect and even these sites do point to some of his weaknesses. One site said that he isn't a great route runner and doesn't adjust to the ball well if it's not thrown right at him. Another says that he needs to work on his blocking technique but that he gets the job done due to his size and strength. 

That's fair enough to me. He isn't the receiver that Dalvin Cook is but that doesn't mean he is worthless in the passing game. 

 

I get it. You don't want Fournette at 4 for whatever reason, but I think you are wishing a little to hard for him to be a one trick pony when he isn't. If you want to knock him for the nagging injuries, I see that, but you're type is trying to make his skillset out to be nothing more than sledghammer like Legarrette Blount and you are missing this big picture.

I've watched the tapes, and, personally I do not see it. In today's NFL, you have running backs putting up WR2 and WR3 receiving numbers. Not only are guys like Johnson, Freeman, Gordon, McCoy, Murray, etc leading the NFL in rushing, they are also putting up huge receiving numbers as well. The versatility this adds to their game can't be understated. I have no reason to believe Fournette can bring this versatility to the NFL. The tape and the stats just don't show it. Can he take a ball off a wide-open screen and take it downfield, sure. But that's all he has done. Almost all his receptions have come off 3rd down screens, drops offs, or an occasional wheel route. You just can't honestly believe he is going to run routes, be able to design passing plays around, or become a receiving threat.


It doesn't mean he's not one hell of a runner. When healthy, the dudes hella productive. He's a punisher. But does he bring versatility in the passing game? I say no way.

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