The big news of the day is that running back, Leonard Fournette is now available to teams on the waiver after he was released by the Jags on Monday.
The reason for his release is due to him not fitting the Jaguars new West Coast style of Offense over there old Power run attack.
Why is this a big deal?
Well, he’s big, he’s fast he's a proven player, and he's now available!
Weighing in at 228lbs at a height of 6-0, Fournette clocked a 4.51 at the 2017 NFL combine 3 and hasn’t shown he has slowed since. This is fast for a guy this big. In a 90 yard run he had against the Steelers his rookie year, he clocked 22 mph at his top speed. That’s almost as fast as Tyreek Hill (the fastest player in the National Football League). Tyreek is only 185lbs too which is 40 pounds lighter than Fournette! Not to mention the fact that last year Fournette ran for 1,152 yds, 3 tds plus 76 receptions, for 522 yards and had a great rookie campaign with over 1,000 rush yards and 10 total TDs!
To say the least… he’s really good…just check out this highlight tape of his college days on youtube https://youtu.be/7MKKnCz8OSc and this one of his 2019 season in the NFL https://youtu.be/OGKXO9vWrtc
So four teams that I think would be a great fit for Fournette include the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Colts, and both LA team (Rams and Chargers).
The Buccaneers is probably the best option.
The reason is because they NEED a reliable guy. Although Ronald Jones did OK with them last year with over 1,000 of scrimmage he’s not the guy Fournette is. One example is how Ronald Jones can’t catch the ball and Leonard has proven he can. Last season, Fournette caught with 76 receptions out of 100 targets, for 522 yards!! (which was a jump up of 54 receptions from the prior year (22 to 76).
Also, the Bucs are transforming their offense with Tom Brady at QB. Right now they are trying to create a winning team and Fournette could be the next big piece for Bruce Arians to work with.
Also, it doesn’t help that Fournette is still a young player in the league with only playing 3 seasons in the NFL.
The next spot I think would be a great place for Fournette is the Indianapolis Colts.
The Colts have one of the best if not best O-line in the NFL right now and could also use an upgrade at RB. As good as current RB Marlon Mack is for them, they could definitely do better. And yes, they kind of already did by picking up Johnathan Taylor in the draft, but why not , they already have made some big offseason moves adding former Chargers QB Phillip Rivers and 49ers Defensive end Deforest Buckner to the team, why not make another big move!
I think they could afford it too. I think a good trade could be like 12th pick in the 2nd round and Marlon Mack for Fournette and a 3rd rounder in the 2020 draft. (but if I were the Jags I’d ask for a 2021 first round pick).
Last but not least, both LA teams NEED a go-to RB!
First off, the Rams don't have Todd Gurley anymore and personally, I don’t think Darrel Henderson, and Malcom Brown will be enough to fill Gurley's void. Plus if they are looking to save cap space and not go after a RB in the draft this is the perfect scenario for them since Fournette would only cost them a little over 4 million dollars! That’s right, he’s a great deal right now since he is still on his rookie contract, so to me they should take advantage!
Personally, this wouldn’t be my favorite spot for him just because Sean McVay would likely be making it a split backfield, and if you know me you know I don’t like that at all, it’s bad for Fantasy. Then again a split backfield would help him stay healthy (which he has been very IP over the last few years).
Other than that, if he does go here, this might be a good spot for him to get a season best in the TD category! This is seeing as how even how last season when Todd Gurley had his second worst season yards wise he still came out with 14 total TDs which is a crazy stat!
Finally, we have the Los Angeles Chargers.
Last season, the Chargers backs were supposed to be Gordon and Ekler, but with Gordon’s standout, Ekler was a beast.
Yet again, as good as he was, I’m sure they are thinking they could use an alternative weapon, especially since I’m guessing the Bolts are planning to the run the ball more with Tyrod Taylor at QB.
This is seeing as how Tyrod did so well when he was with a great RB like Shady in Buffalo, why not add a guy who will help them pound it on the ground as well as make himself an easy target for Taylor to go to. Why not play to his strengths and add a guy like Fournette.
I could really see that as a great RB duo too. Even though, I would expect in terms of fantasy football, that Ekler’s value would decrease.
Overall, teams should look and see this as a huge opportunity for them seeing as he is still on his rookie deal and since he has actually proven to be a great player in the league.
I would also expect Fournette to be fired up to play. This is seeing as how the Jags placed him on the trade block realitively out of the blue and because I think he will have a new chip on his shoulder and a strong motivation to play for any team that is looking to reach the playoffs which is likely not what the Jaguars were trying
to do this season.
2020 Stat Predictions
200 carries, 1000 rush yards, 8 rushing TDs; 60 receptions 480 yards, 2 receiving TDs
Draft as late as he could be a great value pick and become a RB2 or flex play this year.