It's looking more questionable than ever that former Georgia running back Todd Gurley will slip to the end of the first round of the NFL Draft on April 30, but the New England Patriots are doing their homework just the same.
Gurley will pay a visit to the defending Super Bowl champions this week, according to csnne.com.
The Patriots hold the last pick of the first round at No. 32 overall. Already projected as the first running back to be chosen -- and anywhere from No. 16 to No. 26 overall, according to NFL Media mock drafts -- Gurley's draft stock gained even more footing after his injured knee checked out well in a follow-up medical examination.
Presumably, the Patriots would have to trade up to acquire Gurley. The San Diego Chargers, who pick 17th, and Dallas Cowboys, who pick 27th, are two teams drafting ahead of the Patriots with a significant need at running back, and a trade-up by New England to get Gurley could be made in an effort to move ahead of one or both of them. What would help the Patriots, or any other team, trade up for Gurley at the most inexpensive price possible would be for Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon to be the first back drafted. Gordon is campaigning to be the first back off the board, and if an NFL team grants that wish, Gurley could potentially slip closer to the end of the round.
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