2015 Atlanta Falcons Potential Draft Pick Profile: RB Todd Gurley

After cutting Steven Jackson and not signing a single running back in free agency that looks to be better than Devonta Freeman, the Atlanta Falcons could go into the 2015 season without an established primary running back. However, a potential draft pick that could shake things up is Todd Gurley.

The Georgia running back is a fan favorite of many Falcons fans, but the likelihood that he's the No. 8 overall pick is slim-to-none. Personal research has shown that never in NFL history has a team drafted a running back the season after an ACL surgery in the top 10.

Todd Gurley

Running Back

University of Georgia

Combine/Pro Day Measurements

Height: 6'0-5/8" Weight: 222 pounds

Arm Length: 32-1/2" Hand Measurement: 10"

Bench Reps: 17 reps

Stats

2014: 6 Games Played, 123 Carries, 911 Yards, 9 Touchdowns, 12 Catches, 57 Yards, 1-of-1 Passing (100.0 Percent), 50 Yards, 4 Kick Returns, 179 Yards, 1 Touchdown

2013: 10 Games Played, 165 Carries, 989 Yards, 10 Touchdowns, 37 Catches, 441 Yards, 6 Touchdowns

2012: 14 Games Played, 222 Carries, 1,385 Yards, 17 Touchdowns, 16 Catches, 117 Yards, 7 Kick Returns, 243 Yards, 1 Touchdown, 1 Tackle

Scouting Report

Strengths

Gurley has tremendous vision and balance when he runs the ball. There's something special about how he runs with so much power and speed at the same time. The way he runs is comparable to the tough-nosed, old-school style that seems inspired by Earl Campbell and Jim Brown.

His cutback vision is something that most running backs would dream to have and makes him valuable in both a zone and a man scheme. He also has exceptionally quick feet and is always looking to cut uphill and gain yardage on every play—something that can't be taught.

Weaknesses

Gurley has been injury-prone throughout his career at Georgia. It wasn't just the ACL injury; he battled an ankle injury during his sophomore season in college. Hopefully, these injuries are behind him, but whoever drafts Gurley will have to keep them in mind.

At times, he just gives up on his vision and instead runs the play called exactly as it is designed. This leads to him running right into the butt of his offensive linemen way too often. It's an easy fix, but it's something that will have to be coached out of him.

How does he fit the Comrade Filter?

Gurley was never arrested while he was in college, but he was suspended for a couple of games due to an autograph signing incident. Considering his suspension wasn't for drugs or anything close to criminal in nature, the Falcons shouldn't have any issues with it.

When he gets to the pros, he'll be asked to sign autographs all the time. If he wants to capitalize on his likeness, it will be encouraged, not frowned upon. Gurley was a game captain multiple times during his sophomore and junior seasons at Georgia and was a leader within their locker room.

Overview

The best running back in the 2015 draft is Gurley. He's by far one of the best running back prospects to come out in years. If he wasn't injured, Gurley going in the top 10 would make a ton of sense. His all-around abilities to catch, block and run are invaluable for any team.

If he makes it out of the first round, it would be extremely shocking. Players like Gurley don't come around very often. Even with the devaluation on running backs, a team like Dallas or even Houston would love the complete back that he is. 

How he would fit into the Falcons' plans

The Falcons shouldn't consider Todd Gurley unless he falls to them in the second round. At that point, the value outweighs the selection spot. However, in the top 10, it doesn't make any sense to take Gurley, as he is coming off an ACL surgery.

Early in his rookie season, Gurley would likely be limited to more of a short-yardage back and goal-line role with Atlanta. As the season progressed and he finally got healthy, the Falcons would likely have him as the primary running back. He'd be someone who could help carry the offense and take pressure off Matt Ryan.

All stats used are from Pro Football Focus' Premium Stats, ESPN.com, CFBStats or NFL.com. All combine and pro day info is courtesy of NFLDraftScout.com. All contract information is courtesy of Spotrac.

Scott Carasik is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He covers the Atlanta Falcons, college football, the NFL and the NFL draft. He's also a Draft Analyst for Pro Football Spot.

Follow @ScottCarasik