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NFL Draft: Early Look at 32-Team Round 1 Mock for 2017

By Peter Panacy

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 17, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) is defended by Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive back Lashard Durr (25) during the first quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) is defended by Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive back Lashard Durr (25) during the first quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

. Running Back. Indianapolis Colts. Leonard Fournette. 8. player. 46

Yes, the great running back Frank Gore’s career is coming to a close. And even with the defensively challenged Indianapolis Colts needing help on the other side of the ball, passing over LSU standout running back Leonard Fournette — a potential Heisman candidate — at No. 8 overall would be a gaffe.

Fournette is a difference-maker of a player. And while the Colts defense needs to get younger and deeper across the board, adding a player like Fournette would help ensure quarterback Andrew Luck won’t have to do it all.

Drives would be sustained, and the Colts would take pressure off their defense to make plays.