Todd Gurley passes medical recheck: 3 teams who should take him in Round 1

The 2015 NFL Draft is almost upon us and Georgia running back Todd Gurley has been evaluated and labeled as healthy just in time for the big day.

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All athletes know the risks they are taking by playing their respective sports. Georgia Bulldogs‘ running back Todd Gurley plays one of the most risky positions in football and he paid the price for it, tearing his ACL during the final stretches of the 2014 college football season.

Heading into the NFL Draft, Gurley’s stock had some serious question marks, such as his health. The running back’s knee has been the real thing in question as many teams seem hesitant to take a risk on a recently-repaired knee on a rookie.

However, he looks to be fine and ‘good to go’ for the upcoming draft after he had medical rechecks yesterday, boosting his stock dramatically.

While these teams looking to draft Gurley basically have to take the doctor’s word for it, they will be drafting based on what they’ve seen in the past from the electric back.

Let’s take a look at three teams who should give Gurley a shot if he’s there when they select in the first round later this month.

1. Minnesota Vikings, No. 11 pick

OK, I get that this is a bit of a stretch to pick up a running back with the 11th pick in the draft, but Gurley is that good. I highly doubt the Minnesota Vikings take Gurley this high, but they could even trade down in order to get a better position to take the stud.

With Adrian Peterson likely gone this offseason, Gurley would add a little of that electricity that the Vikings would be losing. Can’t blame a team for cutting loose a controversial, yet legendary, back like Peterson to save its good name.

Gurley would fill in nicely for Peterson and maybe even make a name for himself in the way AP did. This is a stretch, but the Vikings are desperate for a running back.

2. Detroit Lions, No. 23 pick

After one of the more successful seasons in recent Detroit Lions‘ history, the team released former highly-touted back Reggie Bush, leaving Joique Bell the No. 1 duties.

Not many people realize that the Lions will be in desperate need of a back as Bell seems like a career No. 2 guy, who has shown flashes of being the top dog, and Theo Riddick is more of an every-now-and-then type of back. Riddick has also shown he can play with the big boys, but he hasn’t proven anything yet.

Add Gurley to this Lions team and you might have one of the best offenses in recent franchise history. The offensive line is getting stronger and that just means more holes for a guy who already has no trouble finding them.

3. Baltimore Ravens, No. 26 pick

Last, but certainly not least, the Baltimore Ravens could surely use a solid running back who is also a good role model. Sure, the team has already re-signed Justin Forsett, but you have to realize he is approaching maximum shelf life for NFL running backs at 29.

With Forsett likely being productive as a starter for one or two more years, Gurley would be a solid backup for the time being, challenging the 29-year-old for a starting job.

This is a team that could use a little youth on the roster and if Gurley is available with the 26th pick, there’s no way the Ravens can pass him up.

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