Baltimore Ravens: 5 Running Back Draft Targets
Sep 13, 2014; Columbia, SC, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Todd Gurley (3) rushes against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Todd Gurley – Georgia
Todd Gurley could well be the most talented running back in this year’s class. Gurley has the rare combination of both speed and power.
Nov 15, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Todd Gurley (3) returns a kickoff against the Auburn Tigers during the first quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Gurley is often compared to Marshawn Lynch, and it’s obvious to see why. According NFL.com, 61.9 percent of his yardage was gained after initial contact in 2014.
In his three years with Georgia, he rushed 510 times for 3,285 yards and 36 touchdowns. Over that time, he averaged 6.4 yards per carry.
``It is an elite combination of size and speed,'' McShay on Todd Gurley ... healthy Gurley, of course.
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) February 23, 2015
The concern for Gurley is his health. His 2014 season was cut short with a torn ACL, and that is the only worry regarding his first-round status. If he shows enough progress between now and April 30, he could be the first back off the board.
The only P5 RBs to have 800 yards, 5 TDs and no fumbles last season: Todd Gurley, Terron Ward, Corey Clement & #Clemson’s Wayne Gallman.
— 💫🅰️♈️🆔 (@ADavidHaleJoint) February 23, 2015
Gurley can be utilized in the passing game, too. In college, he caught 65 passes for 615 yards and six touchdowns.
He’s also found success in the kickoff return game for Georgia. Between 2012-2014, he returned 11 kickoffs for 422 yards and two touchdowns. While only a small sample size, he ran an average of 60 yards per return.
When healthy, Gurley has the potential to become of the best running backs in the entire NFL. With the combination of speed, power and his refusal to go down after initial contract, he could become a star for the Baltimore Ravens. Along with Joe Flacco and the ever-dangerous passing game, they could find a stud in the backfield who can be used effectively in the power running game.
Next: Baltimore Ravens: Seven-Round Mock Draft
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