How Badly Has Todd Gurley Impacted His 2015 NFL Draft Stock?

Sep 27, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Todd Gurley (3) runs past Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (34) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

There was little doubt in the minds of many that Todd Gurley would be the first running back since 2012 to breach the 1st round of an NFL draft.  Now?  Safe to say things are in a state of flux.  Prior to a couple days ago Gurley was the toast of Georgia football and well on his way to a possible Heisman trophy.  For the season he has posted 773 yards rushing on 94 carries for a gaudy 8.2 yards per carry and eight touchdowns.  Teams couldn’t stop him, forcing many pro scouts to compare him favorably with Adrian Peterson and Marshawn Lynch.

Ever so suddenly though, things have taken a turn for the worse.  Georgia recently announced that Todd Gurley was suspended indefinitely pending the results of an investigation into possible NCAA rules violations.

College football has really tried to curtail athletes receiving money from outside sources via fans, boosters or for autographs for years.  Gurley is most certainly not the first athlete to come under the microscope for that.  In fact, star Cincinnati Bengals receiver A.J. Green was suspended four games in 2010 from Georgia for selling a jersey for $1,000.

So what does this mean for Gurley and his 2015 NFL draft stock?  It isn’t exactly good but much will depend on if he’s guilty and how bad the violation is.  Green missed those four games and also had to pay back the money to charity.  He declared that year for the draft but teams didn’t seem phased by the violation as he was drafted 4th overall by the Bengals.

If Gurley returns in time and continues to dominate he may very well do the same.