Todd Gurley 
Georgia, RB
Height: 6.0
Weight: 230
40yd: N/A
Age: 21
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Athleticism:
Has very good playing speed for a back of his size. Can get to top speed in just one step and is dangerous on returns. Doesn’t have elite breakaway speed, but can finish runs without getting tracked down, unless by some of the game’s fastest. Has excellent balance. Can be falling forward and recover his balance to keep running for more yards. An electric player who can score in any way and can change a game with just a few carries.
Inside Running:
Lacks instant acceleration off the snap but gets through the hole quickly and finds holes. Powerful frame to shake off would be arm tackles and falls forward on runs. Fluid runner through the middle and can gain significant yardage without having to bounce it outside. Has a leaner, angular frame and is not a pure hammer, but is a powerful runner. Taller than preferred and needs to drop his pads more, and avoid exposing himself to big hits. To his credit, he is difficult to square up and helps shield himself from direct contact.
Outside Running:
Has very good patience to follow his blocks on the outside and the vision to set up big runs. Is shifty and makes quick cuts. Won’t juke defenders out of their cleats but uses subtle moves along with open field power to slip tacklers. Looked unstoppable at times on sweeps and tosses thanks to his strength and acceleration.
Third Down:
Not afraid to get dirty and gives effort as a blocker, both in pass pro and blocking for his fellow ballcarriers. Lacks great technique or prototypical anchor as a pass protector, but gets the job done and has the capacity to improve. More of an ankle biter at this point. Can snatch the ball with his hands, but prefers to catch with his body. Vanilla route runner. Does not have the same type of transition as a pass catcher as he does taking handoffs.
Intangibles:
Reportedly is a high character individual. Violated NCAA rules after selling autographs and was suspended for four games of his junior season. Tore his left ACL after returning from suspension and missed the remainder of the season. Has had some trouble with hip and ankle injuries prior and his size and running style are conducive to injury. All-around is a smart and aware player who has leadership traits.
Red Flags: Injury, Durability
Bottom Line: Prior to his season ending knee injury, Todd Gurley had a chance to be a top five draft selection, and would have won the Heisman were it not for NCAA violations. While Gurley is not elite in any one category (he doesn’t have Eddie Lacy’s power or C.J. Spiller’s speed), he has a great all-around skill set. Gurley’s size and injury history will likely hinder his pro career, but could be a top five back in the league for five seasons and earn a huge payday. Ultimately, I doubt Gurley will be playing into his thirties, but should leave his mark if he can get through a couple of seasons without injury.
Comparison: Marshawn Lynch
Grade: 9.1 (1st Round)
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