You’ll hear media draft experts hedge their bets and their evaluations on prospects all the time with the caveat: “his success may depend on where he lands.” And that’s certainly true. But a prospect’s “fit” with an organization is multi-faceted. It depends on team need, of course, the coaching staff and their system, and (an underrated aspect in my mind) the team leadership, particularly in his position group.
I’m going to try to wade through the positions and give my favorite fit, but I’ll be curious to hear yours in the comments below.
Leonard Fournette, LSU
As long as a team commits to pounding Fournette 20 times a game, he should thrive wherever he lands. Of course, not all teams are built for that type of offense. Not all coaches have the patience for that type of play.
The obvious fit here on both ends is Carolina sitting at #8. I’m not as convinced the Panthers would take Fournette as much as other people are, given all the other question marks on their roster.
However, if Fournette does land here, you can see an obvious path to success. Fournette is basically a younger, better version of Jonathan Stewart. He would allow the team to play a ball control, clock-killing offense that may save Cam Newton from further damage. I don’t know if the Panthers have enough offensive talent to spread it out, so becoming their own version of Dallas makes sense to me.
Indianapolis would, in theory, be another smart fit as Fournette can replace Frank Gore and soak up any last wisdom he may have on the way out. However, new Colts GM Chris Ballard doesn’t strike me as a guy who will make the splashy pick like that his first one.
Christian McCaffrey, Stanford
I’ll be honest, I’m rooting for McCaffrey to land with his dad’s Denver Broncos at pick #20. That’s not entirely based on the family ties (only 90% at most.)
But there’s actually a football here as well. Although the Broncos don’t have a veteran QB, new/old coordinator Mike McCoy will eventually want to open this offense up. McCaffrey’s skills in space and as a pass catcher would make him a dangerous weapon for them, even if he’s not toting it 20 times a game.
Dalvin Cook, Florida State
When I watched Dalvin Cook’s explosive play in college, he reminded me a lot of Jamaal Charles. Unfortunately, Cook’s draft process has been nothing short of a disaster, disappointing in drills and carrying some off-the-field concerns as well.
But if that means Cook may slide to R2, then Philadelphia may be a good landing spot for him at pick #43. Coach Doug Pederson knows how to utilize Jamaal Charles-like skills from his days in Kansas City. Darren Sproles continues to dance and juke away from Father Time, but he can’t break those tackles forever.
Alvin Kamara, Tennessee
Reggie McKenzie’s mission to find a power back to complement his army of little scatbacks has taken him all over the map, from Adrian Peterson rumors to a likely Marshawn Lynch signing. But Lynch won’t have much life left in his legs, and may not make it to opening day 2018.
That’s where a young buck like Alvin Kamara would be ideal. Given the value (or lack thereof) in the position, it’s not impossible that Kamara could fall to Oakland/ Las Vegas at #56. Kamara may not be as big of a name as the top 3, but he’s arguably their equal as a physical talent.
Joe Mixon, Oklahoma
As a liberal Democrat, I understand the outrage that progressives and feminists have about Joe Mixon and his possible NFL stardom. But at the same time, what’s the answer? Deprive Joe Mixon of the millions his talents merit on the open market? Should we deny him any gainful means of employment? Should we take him out back and shoot him?
Troubled youths with marks on their record or a criminal history have a difficult time turning their lives around because of that stigma, and their inability to find work as a result. I don’t think Mixon should be forbidden from playing in the NFL, either formally or informally. Sure, it’s going to be awkward when he provides some offense a burst of electricity (a la Tyreek Hill last year), but that’s better than the alternative.
Getting back to pure football for a second, Mixon has a ton of skills in all facets of offense but will need to be shielded by a strong coach who can take the heat for the pick. Bill Belichick could have done that, but they’ve already ruled him out. On the field, Green Bay (maybe in R3?) makes a world of sense as well, but I’m not sure if the market would embrace him. The best current fit I can come up with is Pete Carroll and Seattle. The Seahawks already have a young power runner in Thomas Rawls, and a pass catcher in C.J. Prosise, but Mixon combines both of those talents in one. His value in R3 or R4 or so will be difficult to pass up.
