STRENGTHS: Though he is as likely to smile as glare at opponents, Fournette is an intimidating presence with an imposing, well-distributed frame. He is every bit as powerful as he looks, rarely going down to first contact.
Fournette runs with excellent pad level for a back with his height and is proverbial hammer meeting the nail, unloading on defenders with an explosive initial collision and leg drive. Fournette isn't reliant upon his power, however. He is just as likely to spin away from an oncoming hit or swat opponents aside with a powerful stiff arm, leaving defenders guessing and perhaps hoping they aren't about to become the victim of Fournette's latest highlight reel.
One of the many elements which make Fournette such a special talent is that he complements his power with the shiftiness and speed of a much smaller back. Whereas most backs his size rumble down the lane, Fournette can tip-tap his way to and through the hole. Even defenders able to crash through the line of scrimmage to meet him in the backfield can be left grasping at air as Fournette possesses the lateral agility, balance and burst to make 90-degree cuts in either direction.
He is also a natural, patient runner. Fournette will slow down to allow his blockers to do their job, exploding with sudden acceleration once a lane is presented to him. With terrific vision for cut-back lanes and the speed to simply run away from defenders once in the open field, Fournette is a big play waiting to happen as a running back, receiver and kick returner.
Even where Fournette has limited experience - like in the passing game - he shows the traits necessary to project well at the next level.
Fournette is rarely asked to do much in the passing game at LSU. While he caught 26 passes (for 380 yards and a touchdown) over his first two seasons, many were simple dump-offs in the flat or screens. Still, Fournette has long arms and shows soft hands to corral passes outside of his frame. He has proven reliable in fielding kickoffs, as well, including on the 100-yard return for a score against Notre Dame in the Music City Bowl to cap his incredible freshman season.
While he's rarely asked to truly pass protect, Fournette shows awareness, physicality and selflessness in doing so. There may be some initial growing pains as he is asked to stay in to pass protect in the NFL but this is more nit-picking than a true concern.
WEAKNESSES: The greatest concern scouts have for Fournette is durability. Though he has never missed a game due to injury, Fournette enters his junior campaign at LSU with 539 career touches already. Of course, that doesn't include the pounding he took while starting four years in high school, where he ran for 7,619 yards and 88 touchdowns.
With LSU loaded for a potential title run, Les Miles and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron are not likely to "save" Fournette for his anticipated early jump to the NFL. Fournette is a remarkable talent, but scouts will have to determine how much (if any) of the tread on his tires is already being worn.
COMPARES TO: Adrian Peterson, Vikings -- Just like Peterson back at Oklahoma - the only other back in the past 20 years with Fournette's combination of size, power and speed - LSU's star running back is virtually a man amongst boys at the college level. Peterson "slipped" to Minnesota at No. 7 overall in part due to the injuries he sustained with the Sooners. Barring his own injury concerns, Fournette is himself a cinch for a top 10 selection and could even warrant No. 1 overall consideration.
