A torn ACL and a suspension for violating NCAA rules clearly haven't hurt Georgia Bulldogs running back Todd Gurley's stock. According to Yahoo writer Charles Robinson, Gurley is expected to be taken as a Top 10 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
The draft range for Todd Gurley? Supposedly 6 to 10 now. That's the word on the street. https://t.co/jE7B5D7CkW
— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) April 22, 2015
Running backs have become a devalued asset in the modern, pass-happy NFL, but elite talents clearly have sway. It doesn't hurt that the Super Bowl runner ups, the Seattle Seahawks, and the NFC East champion Dallas Cowboys both leaned heavily on dominant running games.
Gurley doesn't have the overwhelming stats of some of his draft class peers such as Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon or Nebraska's Ameer Abdullah, but scouts seem to like his combination of size, speed, and agility more than the college production. He's only had one 1,000-yard season as a Bulldog, although last year he was limited to just six games.
In those six games Gurley rushed for 911 yards and nine touchdowns. He also ran back a kickoff for a touchdown. He's also shown flashes of production as a receiver out of the backfield, scoring six receiving touchdowns in 2013.
A Top 10 pick is a hefty price tag for any running back these days, especially one with recent knee surgery. What teams are desperate enough to invest so heavily in him?
The obvious candidate would be the Atlanta Falcons. The fan base will be very familiar with Gurley, they parted ways with veteran Steven Jackson this offseason, and rookie Devonta Freeman did not separate himself last season. One year is a short leash to have with a running back, but if the Falcons believe Gurley is transcendent, then Freeman provides high-end depth.
The New York Giants at No. 9 are another possibility, although their offseason acquisition of Shane Vereen casts some doubt. They may not view Vereen as a viable every-down back, and last year's rookie Andre Williams didn't offer much beyond a big body to crash into the end zone on goal line attempts.
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