2015 NFL Draft Prospect Watch: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia

Apr 12, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Todd Gurley (3) runs for a touchdown during the first half of the Georgia Spring Game at Sanford Stadium. Red defeated Black 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Continuing our look through the top players eligible for the 2015 NFL Draft with a more in-depth take on Georgia running back Todd Gurley.

Gurley burst onto the scene in 2012 as a true freshman with 1,385 yards and 17 touchdowns to contribute to his 1,745 all-purpose yards. He played in just 10 games in 2013 but in watching Gurley play, you can see that he’s arguably the most pro-ready running back in all of college football.

If this were baseball, I feel like Gurley would be a ‘five-tool’ player.

He’s big, fast, quick, strong, powerful, not afraid of contact, and he’s a good receiver, but we’ll get more into that as we progress.

Initially, I’m really impressed by Gurley’s size overall. He’s 6’1″ 232 pounds and he carries it really well. He’s got the size of an NFL-ready back, one who could take a lot of hits and carry a full load.

Gurley is the perfect running back in terms of his overall skillset. He’s got great vision with the football, balance, and power. His lower body strength is far advanced for being just a junior this season, and he’s able to drive piles as well as bounce off of arm tackles with relative ease.

Not only does he have the power, but Gurley has speed as well. He’s not Dri Archer or Chris Johnson, by any means, but he’s a load to take down in the open field and can turn the corner if the opportunity is presented.

He has the benefit of having played two seasons in a pro-style offense at Georgia, and his skillset is reflective of that, especially on third downs. Not only is Gurley a willing and capable blocker, but he’s a phenomenal receiver. He’s such a natural pass catcher and he turns his eyes upfield immediately after the catch. He finished his sophomore season with 37 catches, six of which were touchdowns.

I think Gurley’s all-around ability as a back makes him the best in this class should he choose to leave school early. He has a complete skillset, an NFL-ready body, and is one of the best receivers out of the backfield in the country. This is a special young player.

Here’s a video cut up of Gurley from his game last year against the Auburn Tigers, courtesy of the great folks at DraftBreakdown.com.