The NFL draft is less than two weeks away and Todd Gurley has emerged as a top target for teams, as the New England Patriots, Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins have all shown interest and after his pre-draft visits, those teams all could be in the mix to draft the former Georgia running back.
Gurley is coming off of an injury last year, but most scouts see him as the top overall running back in the draft. According to ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper, Gurley and Melvin Gordon are looked at as the most polished running backs in the draft for the 2015 class. Gurley's injury from last year to his ACL could cause him to slip on some boards, but most expect him to be a first round draft pick along with Gordon.
According to CSN New England, Gurley met with the New England Patriots on a scheduled visit last week and he could be a potential option fi he slips to the end of the first round. Most mock drafts have Gurley going well before that, but with the ACL injury last year there is always a chance he slips. Gordon is getting attention and that could push Gurley down, while names like Tevin Coleman and Ameer Abdullah are also attractive players.
The Patriots likely will add a running back in the draft, as they have LeGarrette Blount suspended to start the season. The team also had Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen leave in free agency for the Jets and Giants respectively and that could lead to the team adding some depth. Pro Football Talk reports that Gurley received positive news after going back for his medical re-check for the NFL combine and that could give some ease to the teams that were concerned with his injury.
The Dallas Cowboys are a target for Gurley, as they have had him in for a visits and he could be looked at as an option to help replace Demarco Murray. Gordon and Tevin Coleman have also visited with the team and Todd Archer at ESPN Dallas writes that the team is "very likely" adding a running back in the draft. The Cowboys are looking out of the mix for Adrian Peterson and after signing Darren McFadden in free agency, a running back prospect is a likely target for Jerry Jones.
Pro Football Talk also reported that Gurley has had interest from the Detroit Lions and he has met with the Cleveland Browns. Gurley rushed for 911 yards last season and 12 touchdowns in just six games and in his career he has 36 touchdowns in three seasons with Georgia. Gurley was his best in 2012 when he rushed for 1385 yards and 17 touchdowns. Gurley has averaged at least six yards per carry in all three seasons playing for the Bulldogs.
The Patriots have a number of backs with Jonas Gray, Brandon Bolden, Travaris Cadet and James White and Blount, but Bill Belichick usually stocks his roster and practice squad with extra RBs and he could always move players around. The Patriots have the number 32 pick in the first round and they could add a solid player this year with the depth in this draft.