Fournette could have been number one overall pick in NFL draft as a LB...

Leonard Fournette might well have been the number one pick overall in the draft had he come to LSU as a linebacker. Running backs are generally devalued in the draft in recent years. Some reports have Fournette available even when the Saints pick at 11. Linebackers have a longer shelf life in the NFL than running backs and as a general rule tend to go higher in the draft.

At 6 foot one, 230 pounds, with sprinters speed Fournette could have been the best linebacker ever to suit up at LSU. With his speed he literally would never have to leave the field, indeed he is faster than many safeties in the NFL today. He might have been drafted higher, made more money and played longer if he had come to LSU as a linebacker.

My son and I did the radio for a high school playoff game a couple years ago where Devin White played. White has a different build than Fournette, stockier and more barrel chested. White was a great high school running back, few high school defensive backs in his division could tackle him once he got loose, even if they could catch him.

White was even more impressive at linebacker, he blew up every running play when he was in the game. I know White said he wanted to play running back in college, but I thought linebacker was his best spot. He would have been a very good SEC running back. I think in a way he was lucky LSU had such a need at linebacker and he went that route for early playing time. It may give him a longer career in the NFL.

When Guice and Williams go next year, LSU may not have a power back. I would definitely consider putting White in on offense in short yardage situations. He is a bull, but very quick. Even as a decoy he will make them respect the run.

But back to Fournette. He had a great run at LSU at running back, I am glad I got to watch him and am sure he has no regrets. I don't. We will never know, but I think as great as he was at running back, he could have been that good or better at linebacker. His blitzes would have been epic, the next Lawrence Taylor?

I think he doesn't make it past Carolina with the seventh overall pick in the draft, so it's hard to second guess his choice.