Bob Sturm NFL Draft Profile: Todd Gurley

[AzorAhai]

I scanned back a ways and didn't see this posted so figured I would share it. If it has been posted feel free to remove it.

Todd Gurley, RB , Georgia – 6’1, 231 – Junior

As we move on to the running backs in this draft, let’s start with the premise that there are many talented backs in this crop. As many as 8 seem worthy of the Top 3 rounds before we dive in and give each the 200 snap treatment. We will attempt to look at all of them before we get to March.

Let’s also point out here and throughout this running back study that there are some very anti-running back thought movements in the NFL these days and in some cases, they seem based in fact and experience. But, sometimes, the pendulum swings too far. I am starting to think the casual stripping of RB value across the league is one of those cases where the media and fans assume that...(link)

http://cowboysblog.***BANNED-URL***/2015/02/2015-draft-profile-todd-gurley-rb-georgia.html/

 

[basstapp]

I live in Georgia and loved watching him play. I agree that he doesn't wear down as the game goes on, but he would take plays off after he carried the ball 3x in a row. Georgia would often split him out wide and he would literally just stand there and you could tell he was exhausted. Not necessarily a huge knock on the guy and may be common around the league (not sure). Either way he is probably the best RB in the last couple of years.

 

[burmafrd]

The passing fanaticism is now making teams like Seattle and the Boys much bigger threats as lighter and quicker defenses are subject to getting run over and worn down by run first teams with the O lines to get it done.

The devaluing of the RB is too some extent warranted but as usual as mentioned there the pendulum ALWAYS swings too far and that is where we are starting to go as regards the RB value.

 

[supercowboy8]

I may be the only one on the planet but I don't like Gurley as an NFL rb. He had an amazing OL and also most of his big runs come after he bounces off smaller non nfl players. Alot like richardson did at alabama.

He hasn't had over 1000 yards since his freshman year. Yes he was hurt but that's just another reason. He's been hurt both the last 2 seasons and now coming off ACL? Sorry but not a fan.

 

[AsthmaField]

I may be the only one on the planet but I don't like Gurley as an NFL rb. He had an amazing OL and also most of his big runs come after he bounces off smaller non nfl players. Alot like richardson did at alabama.

He hasn't had over 1000 yards since his freshman year. Yes he was hurt but that's just another reason. He's been hurt both the last 2 seasons and now coming off ACL? Sorry but not a fan.

I agree with a lot of your thoughts on the draft... but we disagree here, although, of course, you could be right. I just don't think you are in this instance.

That is what makes the draft so great though... everyone has their pet cats and their dislikes.

Anyway, assuming Gurley is fully healthy, the guy is legit and will pound defenses into submission if he has a good supporting cast.

 

[supercowboy8]

I agree with a lot of your thoughts on the draft... but we disagree here, although, of course, you could be right. I just don't think you are in this instance.

That is what makes the draft so great though... everyone has their pet cats and their dislikes.

Anyway, assuming Gurley is fully healthy, the guy is legit and will pound defenses into submission if he has a good supporting cast.

But will get hurt again with his style. He hasn't been able to hold up in college what's to make you think he can hold up in the nfl with his punishing style.

I love watching gurley in college except when he ran all over my Vols. But that doesn't mean you can do it in the NFL.

 

[AsthmaField]

But will get hurt again with his style. He hasn't been able to hold up in college what's to make you think he can hold up in the nfl with his punishing style.

I love watching gurley in college except when he ran all over my Vols. But that doesn't mean you can do it in the NFL.

True enough about his durability. I have seen great players who just can't stay healthy before and it just frustrates everyone and doesn't help your team very much... so if health is an issue, then I'm with you on that. I'm just not convinced it will be.

Anyway, I go back and forth on if I'd rather have Gurley or Gordon because I think Gordon would fit the offense to a tee.

 

[DFWJC]

He's probably the only back I would consider at 27.

The point about Nick Chubb is legit though. he was pretty great when Gurley went down. I happen to think it's the player though and not just the Georgia line.

 

[supercowboy8]

He's probably the only back I would consider at 27.

The point about Nick Chubb is legit though. he was pretty great when Gurley went down. I happen to think it's the player though and not just the Georgia line.

I think it's the line and the scheme. Gurley gets hit alot at the line and breaks tackles because he's so much stronger than most college players. He won't be able to do that as much in the nfl.

 

[supercowboy8]

True enough about his durability. I have seen great players who just can't stay healthy before and it just frustrates everyone and doesn't help your team very much... so if health is an issue, then I'm with you on that. I'm just not convinced it will be.

Anyway, I go back and forth on if I'd rather have Gurley or Gordon because I think Gordon would fit the offense to a tee.

I dont know how you can say that. Has he stayed healthy in college? The answer is no because his style is to power through a tackle. He's already breaking down why spend a 1st round pick on a RB much less one that is all ready breaking down

 

[DFWJC]

Due to the deep class and our other glaring needs, I much prefer drafting a RB a bit later.
But I disagree that Gurley will fail at the next level. The good news is that time will let us know on that one.

 

[jterrell]

Gurley is an impressive prospect but he has a lot going against him.
1) He is a RB
2) He is coming off major injury
3) Of the top 10 Rushers in the NFL last year 0 were round 1 picks.
4) the last 10 round 1 RBs

 

[jterrell]

last 10 round 1 RBs are:
a. trent richardson pick 3
b. doug martin pick 31
c. david wilson pick 32
d. mark ingram pick 28
e. c.j. spiller pick 9
f. ryan mathews pick 12
g. jahvid best pick 30
h. knowshon moreno pick 12
i. donald brown pick 27
j. beanie wells pick 31

 

[jterrell]

i expect gurley to go on round 2 if his meds check out solid.

too many quality RBs in this class and too little return in r1 RBs of the past 5-7 years.

been a really long time since edgerrng james and l.t.- lomlinson.

 

[SilverStarCowboy]

RBs got the shaft, noway you should sign a 5 year rookie deal coming out as a RB.

 

[btcutter]

Am I going too far to compare his skills to Peterson when coming out of college? I don't think so. Would you take AP at 27 even if you have to discount his first year? Yes! So why wouldn't you take a RB with that type of skills who wouldn't be available to you otherwise? Sure it's a risk taking a RB but it's no different than the 7th best D line or 5-6 best DB etc.

 

[btcutter]

last 10 round 1 RBs are:
a. trent richardson pick 3
b. doug martin pick 31
c. david wilson pick 32
d. mark ingram pick 28
e. c.j. spiller pick 9
f. ryan mathews pick 12
g. jahvid best pick 30
h. knowshon moreno pick 12
i. donald brown pick 27
j. beanie wells pick 31

I think statistically due to hit one now.

 

[DFWJC]

RBs got the shaft, noway you should sign a 5 year rookie deal coming out as a RB.

Definitely a worse deal for them IF they end up being good.

 

[DFWJC]

last 10 round 1 RBs are:
a. trent richardson pick 3
b. doug martin pick 31
c. david wilson pick 32
d. mark ingram pick 28
e. c.j. spiller pick 9
f. ryan mathews pick 12
g. jahvid best pick 30
h. knowshon moreno pick 12
i. donald brown pick 27
j. beanie wells pick 31

One could argue that not a single one of those players was good value where they were taken based on overall production so far.

 

[jterrell]

Am I going too far to compare his skills to Peterson when coming out of college? I don't think so. Would you take AP at 27 even if you have to discount his first year? Yes! So why wouldn't you take a RB with that type of skills who wouldn't be available to you otherwise? Sure it's a risk taking a RB but it's no different than the 7th best D line or 5-6 best DB etc.

Yes, you'd be going wayyyy too far.
AP was a 4.4 flat guy who tested out well and had a full body of work in college. over 4000 yards and 41 TDs in about 2.5 years.
Gurley with a similar amount of games has 6 less TDs and about a 1000 less yards.

Gurley is a much bigger player and less elusive. He compares with some one like Jamal Lewis or Marshawn Lynch. Powerful and direct but not the same explosion as AP.