Selling: 49ers will take Leonard Fournette at No. 2
Recently a report emerged that the San Francisco 49ers are “seriously considering” using the No. 2 overall pick to select former LSU product, running back Leonard Fournette.
In the same report, the 49ers were said to be ready to move on from Carlos Hyde, who was drafted in 2014. First off, we’re not buying 49ers being done with Hyde. While it’s true he has struggled with injuries, he is still one of the most dynamic running backs in the NFL when healthy and should be a great fit within Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
Secondly, we’re not buying the 49ers as being sold on Fournette that high in the draft. Shanahan’s offense excelled in Atlanta partly because it featured two running backs who are excellent at catching the ball out of the backfield. And while Fournette did look great catching balls at his pro day, he wasn’t particularly reliable and this capacity during his tenure at LSU.
Then there’s the aspect of Fournette’s health. He suffered chronic ankle problems at college, missing half of this past season as a result. When healthy, no doubt this is a tremendously talented running back. Given the fact Fournette was banged up an awful lot during his playing days with the Tigers, just seems insane to invest a second overall pick in a guy who might not last three years.