Five Fantastic Fits for UGA’s Todd Gurley

Nov 15, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Todd Gurley (3) returns a kickoff against the Auburn Tigers during the first quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

With the 2015 NFL Draft rapidly approaching, UGA’s star tailback Todd Gurley projects as a mid-to-late first round pick.  Whatever team selects Gurley with their top pick will be getting college football’s best player.  Even though an autograph scandal and an ACL tear against Auburn shortened his promising junior season at Georgia, Gurley ran all over the SEC and into the hearts of Dawg Nation.  Here’s a look at five potential suitors for Georgia’s top pro prospect.

5. Atlanta Falcons

Okay, this is a bit of a stretch.  While we all know that Todd Gurley looks incredible in Red and Black, I highly doubt Atlanta uses it 8th overall pick on the Dawg from Tarboro, NC.  The Dirty Birds already have a promising young RB in Devonta Freeman and are in dire need of a pass rusher (Vic Beasley, Bud Dupree, Dante Fowler, Jr., Randy Gregory, and Shane Ray all come to mind). In the off-chance that HC Dan Quinn and GM Thomas Dimitroff decide to trade down to the mid-teens (Cleveland has two first round picks…), Gurley will thrive in new OC Kyle Shanahan’s zone blocking running attack.  If Todd joins the shifty Freeman and greased lightning RB Antone Smith in the Falcons backfield, Atlanta will have a trio of talented tailbacks to complement an already elite passing game. While Atlanta will almost certainly use their 8th draft pick to select a front seven prospect, if the Falcons aren’t in love with any top-tier pass rusher, trading back and taking Gurley is a nice alternative scenario.  Here’s to wishful thinking!