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St. Louis Rams: Wise to be careful with Todd Gurley

ByNick Ziegler|

Much of the talk about the St. Louis Rams during training camp has been about the status of first-round pick and running back Todd Gurley.

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In the 2015 NFL Draft, the Rams shocked many by selecting Gurley 10th overall. Gurley was one of the most talented players in the NFL Draft, but he is recovering from an ACL surgery, which ended his 2014 season at Georgia early.

Dec 11, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams head coach Jeff Fisher reacts on the sidelines against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Everything is progressing well in Gurley’s rehab, but the Rams are being very careful with the team’s first-round pick. Rams’ head coach Jeff Fisher has stated that it will be unlikely for Gurley to step on the field in any of the preseason games.

The decision to hold out Gurley of preseason games is a very smart one for the Rams, as they are protecting their investment.

In college, Gurley was one of the best players in the entire country for the last three seasons. As a freshman, Gurley burst onto the scene by totaling 1,385 rushing yards, 17 rushing touchdowns, and a 6.2 yards per carry average.

Gurley followed up his freshman season with another good sophomore season at Georgia. In 2013, he totaled 989 rushing yards, 10 rushing touchdowns, and 6.0 yards per carry in 10 games. In his sophomore season, Gurley also did a very good job as a receiver out of the backfield, as he totaled 37 receptions, 441 receiving yards, and six receiving touchdowns.

In just six games in 2014, Gurley totaled numbers that running backs would be happy with for an entire season. Last season, Gurley totaled 911 rushing yards, nine rushing touchdowns, and a ridiculous 7.4 yards per carry.

The Rams believe that Gurley is a special talent, and being careful with special talents in the NFL is a wise idea.

Even without Gurley for the preseason, the Rams should be able to still get a lot of production from the running back position.

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In the third-round of the 2014 NFL Draft, the Rams selected running back Tre Mason. Last season, Mason would have a very successful rookie season, as he totaled 765 rushing yards, four rushing touchdowns, and a 4.3 yards per carry average.

Dec 28, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Tre Mason (27) is defended by Seattle Seahawks safety Kam Chancellor (31) at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Mason looks like he can certainly be an effective player in the NFL, and for a part of this regular season he may be the Rams’ primary running back. The Rams are likely not a playoff team this season, as they still have a bit an improving to do. The addition of an impact player like Gurley is one of those moves that make the Rams a very successful team for the next 10 years.

Coming off an ACL surgery, the Rams must be careful with Gurley, who is likely anxious to get on the field. Protecting a player like Gurley, who could be the face of the franchise in years to come is the right thing for the Rams to do.

Coach Fisher knows the value of a great running back from his time coaching Eddie George on the Tennessee Titans, and Gurley could be one of the next greats.

Hopefully Gurley’s knee continues to improve, as in 2015, the Rams may have themselves a great combination in their backfield.

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