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2015 NFL Fantasy Rookie Predictions: Todd Gurley is a must get

2015 NFL Fantasy Rookie Predictions: Todd Gurley is a must get

Poked, prodded, pricked -- pro prospects have been thoroughly examined by franchises leading up to this month's NFL Draft. However, fantasy owners are just now dissecting their Year 1 potential. Over the next several weeks, we'll attempt to channel our inner Mayock determining whether Rookie X will be fantasy flame or lame material this fall.  Wednesday's profile: Georgia running back Todd Gurley.

College Highlights: In his spectacular three-year career with the Bulldogs Gurley recorded 18 100-yard performances, including a 200-yard smashing of Tennessee in 2014. His 4,322 all-purpose yards and 44 career TDs ranked just behind legend Herschel Walker in school history. His absurd 6.44 yards per carry established a new Georgia record besting Charley Trippi's mark (6.42) from the 1942 and 1945 seasons. Gurley is an accomplished hurdler, competing for Team USA in Europe during the spring and summer of 2011. In other words, he's slightly more athletic than your dad.

Pluses: Gurley runs with the anger of an incensed bull. His outstanding leg drive, downhill lean and overall size (6-foot-1, 222-pounds) allows him to plow through first-level contact. He's decisive, forceful and extremely difficult to corral at an angle. His 61.9 yards after contact percentage in 2014 was one of college football's best. A similar output at the next level would place him alongside bulldozers Marshawn Lynch and Eddie Lacy in the category. He possesses a long open-field stride which gives him the extra gear needed to break away from defenders. Overlooked, he's also an adept receiver with reliable hands and excellent ball-tracking skills. He should handle a three-down workload with relative ease. Dependable ball-handler. He only coughed up the rock three times on 510 career carries.

Minuses: The injury imp often feasted on Gurley's flesh at the collegiate level. An ankle setback sidelined him three games in 2013 and he shredded his ACL last fall. His upright, violent running style does leave him susceptible to future lower-body ailments. Many scouts question his vision implying he's more of a contact-first, dodge-second runner. His lateral agility is only average. Being patient behind the line will be key in maximizing production. Despite a bulky frame, he needs to show improvement in pass protection.

Pro Comp(s): Adrian Peterson, Marshawn Lynch

Team Fits: Atlanta, Arizona, Carolina, Dallas

Projected ADP/Auction Value ($200 cap): 60-70 (RB22), $18-$23

Fearless Forecast: In a loaded RB class, Gurley is 1A, Melvin Gordon 1B. Though different in style, both runners are exceptionally talented and likely stars at the pro level. Health is the primary concern for the Georgia product. It's entirely possible if his knee doesn't check out cleanly come draft time, he could tumble out of Round 1. Last check, in early April, his rehab was progressing well as he participated in backpedal and some cutting drills without repercussion. Still, his impact may not be felt immediately. It's possible he'll be brought along slowly, making him more of a draft and stash option in 12-team leagues. However, when operating at full strength, he's a Pro Bowl caliber player with significant RB1 upside. Landing spot is everything, but if a team invests a first-round pick in his services, he'll undoubtedly shoulder a substantial workload at some point in 2015. Monitor his rehab closely.

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