Former Georgia star Todd Gurley could be playing for the New England Patriots or the Seattle Seahawks next season.
It might be hard to picture him with those teams, but that doesn't mean the idea is far-fetched. In fact, for the moment, NFL Media analysts Daniel Jeremiah and Bucky Brooks foresee both outcomes in their initial mock drafts.
Along with Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon, Gurley is one of two running backs who could snap the position's first-round drought. Trent Richardson was the last rusher to go in the first (third overall in 2012). But unlike Gordon, Gurley is rehabilitating a torn ACL suffered in November against Auburn, a factor which could, according to former All-Pro LaDainian Tomlinson, make Gurley the second running back chosen. Gordon being drafted first at an undervalued position, thus, could facilitate something of a slip for Gurley.
In Seattle, Marshawn Lynch's future is uncertain at best. And although the Seahawks' depth, with Robert Turbin and Christine Michael, is highly regarded, a post-Lynch Seahawks team will be one searching for an offensive identity. Who better than a high-octane talent like Gurley to help remake it? A new Lynch deal in Seattle, of course, ends the possibility.
In New England, a resurgent LeGarrette Blount has twice proven to be a fit with the Patriots, but of course, the club has failed to re-sign him once already. Yes, the Brady-to-Gurley handoff has an effective ring to it indeed.
The draft perspective from a conference champion's standpoint just isn't the same as that of a club with a top-10 pick. At the least, they have the luxury of drafting more for value and less to plug an area of dire need. And who could argue with the value Gurley would bring at the end of the first round? Jeremiah currently ranks Gurley as the draft's No. 14 talent.
The rich, very possibly, get Gurley.
*Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter **@ChaseGoodbread*.
