San Francisco 49ers: Some Solid Options For The Second Overall Pick

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Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs during the first quarter of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /

Leonard Fournette (RB – LSU)

The 49ers had the NFL’s fourth-best ground game last season. Though he missed a few games with injury, Carlos Hyde proved to be very effective when in the lineup.

As mentioned before, Hyde is in the final year of his rookie deal and, barring a new deal with San Francisco, will be a free agent in 2018. The 49ers may opt to re-sign Hyde, but pairing him with a younger counterpart – one who can split the workload or step into the starting role when called upon – could be incredibly beneficial.

Fournette is considered the best running back prospect in this year’s Draft. He has a rare combination of size, speed, and power that can be lethal. At 6’1”, he’s a fireplug at 230 (or so) pounds. And yet, he is every bit as quick as the Draft’s other top backs, McCaffrey and Dalvin Cook.

At LSU, Fournette was force of nature. As a sophomore, he was the very best running back in the country, hands down. He averaged 6.5 yards a carry on his way to racking up 1,953 yards and 22 touchdowns. He added another 253 yards and a touchdown to his totals in the passing game.

Though an ankle injury limited him to just seven games a junior, he still averaged 6.5 yards a carry in amassing 843 yards and right touchdowns. His best effort came against Mississippi, when he rushed for 284 yards and three touchdowns, showing why he is widely considered one of the top prospects in the Draft.

Paired with Hyde (at least for 2017), the 49ers could boast one of the most powerful and lethal running attackes in the league.