In last nights Round 1 of the draft, two Running backs were taken in the top 10 picks. Everyone had an idea of where they would both land, but no-one really knew where and when. Now we know, and referring back to one of my old articles "What Will Make These 'NFL Ready' Players Successful in the NFL" I stated that these players will need to go to a team that needs them at the position and that has other decent players around them. So let me give some Questions and Answers about the teams that drafted these 2 RB's and about the 2 players themselves:
Q: Who were the first two Running backs taken in Round 1 and what place where they taken?
A: Leonard Fournette-4th and Christian McCaffrey-8th
Q: What teams took them?
A: Leonard Fournette- Jacksonville Jaguars and Christian McCaffrey- Carolina Panthers
Q:Will they be starting right away?
A: Leonard Fournette- Yes, Leonard Fournette is going to move into the starting position and will be the teams leading rusher.
Christian McCaffrey- He is good to go too, but be wary that it is likely he will not be getting the majority of carries for the team seeing as how they recently signed Johnathon Stewart to a big one-year contract.
Q: Will they be feature backs for the teams?
A: Leonard Fournette- Yes, seeing as how the Jags need some help in the back field and what Fournette did as a feature back in college, he will be their GO-TO-GUY.
Christian McCaffrey- No, I do not see him as the Panthers feature running back. I see him splitting carries every so often with a healthy Johnathon Stewart. BUT, I do see Christian being put in the slot more often seeing as how great his hands are and how good his speed is I would not be surprised if the Panthers took him off of half-back and placed him full time as a wide receiver.
Q: Do the teams have players that are decent doing their job?
A: Leonard Fournette- For the most part I'd say NO. But the Jags do have some playmaking Wideouts including Allen Robinson, Allen Hurns, and at Quarterback Blake Bortles (sometimes). The Jaguars do need some help on the O-line which isn't good for Leonard. If anything Leonard might be better for their passing game, giving Bortles more time to throw while he blocks edge blitzers. If they can give Fournette any room in the run game he will be golden. Otherwise, it is not the ideal situation for him like it was last year for Ezekiel Elliot going to the Dallas Cowboys.
Christian McCaffrey-On the other hand, McCaffrey is given a total package. He's got studs all around him including Greg Olsen at Tight End, Kelvin Benjamin and Devin Funchess at Wide Receiver, and Cam Newton at Quarterback. He has got a decent Offensive line to work with this year, even though last year they were plagued with injuries and bad luck they should still be able to help him out. This is definitely a good place for McCaffrey to go to be successful.
Q: How well will they do in Fantasy Football?
A: Leonard Fournette-I am going to predict that for him, Leonard will be ok. I think if The Jaguars get more improvements on their O-line it will help them greatly establish a run game for Leonard enough to the fact that he averages at least 90 yards a game with a touchdown or two sprinkled in every so often. I don't think being on the Jags will put him in as a number 1 fantasy RB but I think he'll be a decent #2 guy.
Avg Points: 12
Good Round to Draft Him: 5th
Christian McCaffrey- I think he'll get his fair share of carries, maybe 10-12. I say he'll get 50 yards a game on the ground. I think where he is really going to shine is in slot. So I'd add another 50 yards for receiving. I don't think they will be using him as much in the end zone as a lot of people would think. I think he could be a really good Flex
Avg Points: 10
Good Round to Draft Him: 7th