First selection:
Leonard Fournette, RB – LSU
- 6-feet
- 240 pounds
- 40-yard dash: 4.51 seconds
Career stats:
- 3,830 rushing yards, 6.2 yards per carry, 40 touchdowns
- 41 catches, 526 receiving yards, 12.8 yards per catch, one touchdown
As soon as the Vikings declined to pick up Adrian Peterson’s contract option for 2017, running back became an immediate need for Minnesota this offseason. The Vikings have signed a talented back in Latavius Murray, but he likely will not be the team’s top option in their backfield for the long run.
Fournette’s chance for success in the NFL is arguably as good as any running back’s available in this year’s draft class. By selecting Fournette, Minnesota would potentially have a player more than capable of filling the void in their backfield left by Peterson.
The former LSU running back’s combination of power and speed has actually drawn himself some comparisons to Peterson. Plus, the Vikings know Fournette looked good while playing in purple at LSU and would not want him to experience the trauma of wearing a different colored jersey in the NFL.