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2017 NFL Draft: The Top 32 Prospects and How the 49ers Are Linked to Each

By Peter Panacy

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs for a large gain after a reception during the first quarter of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs for a large gain after a reception during the first quarter of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 10: Running Back Leonard Fournette, LSU

One player seemingly generating a lot of buzz at No. 2 overall is running back Leonard Fournette out of LSU.

NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks noted, “”I wouldn’t totally rule out San Francisco,” with regards to Fournette at No. 2.

And DraftAnalyst.com’s Tony Pauline added more fuel to the fire with this report:

"Sources with knowledge of the situation tell me the San Francisco 49ers are very high on Fournette and are seriously considering using the second pick of the draft to acquire him. The new front office wants a bigger back to run the offense and they’re ready to give up on Carlos Hyde, who has had his struggles staying healthy since being drafted by the franchise in 2014."

The Niners may be willing to move on from Carlos Hyde at some point. But that doesn’t exactly mean Fournette is a fit here.

Fournette is better suited for a power-run scheme. Not the outside zone, which head coach Kyle Shanahan will implement.

And one can see why Fournette might not be a good idea, as our own Rich Madrid broke down earlier.

Related Story: Why the 49ers Should Avoid Leonard Fournette in the Draft

Like many rumors this time of year, this could be little more than the 49ers drumming up noise to make a draft-day move.