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Is Tampa Bay Bucs RB Leonard Fournette out of shape? Did he gain weight this offseason? Are the excess pounds a cause for concern in fantasy football drafts?
Leonard Fournette had a stellar collegiate career, resulting in the former LSU Tiger being selected by Jacksonville with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. It didn't take him long to make an impact, as he finished his inaugural season by running for over 1,000 yards and scoring 10 total touchdowns. Yet, after injuries and seesaw production, the Jaguars decided to part ways with him in August of 2020.
Fournette wasn't unemployed for long, and he didn't even have to leave the state of Florida to find work, with the Buccaneers swooping in to sign him in September of 2020. Although the 27-year-old split carries with Ronald Jones II, he proved to be a valuable asset by helping Tampa Bay defeat the mighty Kansas City Chiefs to win Super Bowl LV.
Obviously, Fournette has more than enough talent to be the No. 1 option out of any team's backfield, and after a strong showing last season, Tampa signed him to a three-year deal. However, his 2022-23 season hasn't gotten off to a promising start.
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What's The Latest On Leonard Fournette?
After winning a championship in 2020, the Buccaneers fell short of repeating by dropping a narrow postseason clash with the L.A. Rams during the playoffs. Naturally, losing wasn't on the itinerary.
Still, it gave all the players on the roster extra time for rest and relaxation. Yet, with everyone on the Tampa roster having a "Super Bowl or bust mentality" heading into September, especially with Tom Brady un-retiring, many likely got back to work sooner than required.
However, it appears that Fournette may have had too much R&R. He didn't participate in voluntary OTAs, which isn't surprising for most veterans. He was present at mandatory minicamp, although shockingly, he brought some extra body weight with him.
Rick Stroud of The Tampa Bay Times reported that the All-American was a "donut" shy of the 260-pound mark, 32 pounds more than his listed playing weight. For the record, Fournette disputes this report, stating he was tipping the scales at 245 pounds.
Waffle House, McDonald's, and Momma's Cooking, Oh My!
Fournette has never been a small guy and has been known to carry around "some extra beef" over the years. He checked in at around 240 pounds during his NFL Scouting Combine appearance back in 2017, so it's not like his weight hasn't been an issue before.
In an effort to curb his appetite, the Jaguars even implemented a system that would result in a fine for each pound beyond the 231-pound mark.
The big man has acknowledged his poor eating habits in the past. During an interview with GQ Magazine before his rookie year, Fournette shared his fondness for his mother's cooking by stating, "My Momma can throw down in the kitchen," with Mrs. Fournette specializing in "white beans, red beans, stuffed bell peppers, gumbo, and macaroni." Also, in the same sit-down, he revealed that he "grew up eating McDonald's," and his liking for Waffle House was also acknowledged.
Will Fournette's Weight Be An Issue For Fantasy Managers?
The Buccaneers coaching staff wasn't happy with Fournette's appearance at OTAs, with questions surrounding his ability to be an "every-down" back. Understandably, there was added frustration about his fitness level after the team opted to retain him on a three-year contract.
Still, he was a star at the collegiate level, and he is one of the best backs in the league for a reason. While he certainly has no trouble overeating, he has also demonstrated over the years that he can shed any excess baggage.
Will he still weigh 260 pounds come training camp? Probably not. In fact, there's a chance he may be closer to where he was last season. Either way, it won't take him long to drop excess mass in the hot Florida sun.
Still, it should be a cause for concern for fantasy managers, especially those who are light at the running back position moving through fantasy drafts ahead of Week 1.
Since these reports also caused his fantasy stock to drop substantially, there is a bargain opportunity here, especially in PPR formats, if he comes close to mirroring his 2021 production.
However, for those who will choose to take a chance on Fournette this year, be sure to consider an insurance policy, specifically 2022 third-round selection Rachaad White and third-year man Ke'Shawn Vaughn, in that order.
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