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Countdown to Kickoff: Profile on Los Angeles Rams No. 30 Todd Gurley

By Dan Schmelzer

Oct 4, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) runs for a first down as Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell (93) pursues during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) runs for a first down as Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell (93) pursues during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Countdown to Kickoff series continues on with a look at Los Angeles Rams running back and reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Todd Gurley.

There are exactly 30 days until the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers open up the 2016 NFL regular season with a Super Bowl rematch. In the meantime, we at NFL Spin Zone are going to profile a player each day as we countdown the days to kickoff.

The Countdown to Kickoff series began with a look at No. 99 Joey Bosa and has continued on everyday since (check out all of the posts here).

Defensive backs like Kevin Johnson, Jason McCourty and Terence Newman are all strong NFL players who wear number 30, but the choice here was pretty obvious. Let’s take a look at the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley.

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The running back position has been de-valued in recent years, as the trend of ignoring the position in the first round continued on. That being said, a special running back still holds major value, and that is exactly what the Rams saw in Gurley when they selected him with the tenth overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.

Despite the lack of value in the position and Gurley coming off of a major knee injury, the Rams were incredibly wise to make him their priority.

Gurley missed the first two games of the Rams’ season, as he was rehabbing from the knee injury that he suffered in college. He made his NFL debut in Week 3 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, finishing the game with an uninspiring nine yards on six carries.

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Despite the slow start, Gurley showed why the Rams made him such a priority in the very next game. Against the Arizona Cardinals, who have one of the best defenses in the NFL, Gurley broke out with an incredible 146 yards on only 19 carries.

That game against Arizona started an incredible stretch for Gurley where he rushed for 566 yards and three touchdowns on 88 carries in four games. He had some midseason struggles, but Gurley finished his rookie campaign strong with 271 yards and four touchdowns through his last four games.

Gurley finished the season with 1,106 rushing yards and ten touchdowns on 229 carries (4.83 yards per carry average) and was the obvious choice for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

A smooth and powerful back with elite-level athleticism, quickness and instincts in the backfield, Gurley legitimately has the ability to become the best running back in the entire NFL. He is an incredible player who will continue to be the focal point of the entire Rams’ offense.

With ample opportunity on the horizon, Gurley may be a legitimate NFL MVP dark horse for the 2016 season. The Rams are going to be looking to make a splash in their return season to LA with Gurley being among the obvious face of the franchise players.

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A ridiculously talented back who could legitimately become the most productive offensive player in the NFL, Todd Gurley is undoubtedly a player to keep an eye on in 2016.

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