Fansided

10 leading candidates for rookie of the year

By Andrew Garda

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view as the Tennessee Titans make their pick in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view as the Tennessee Titans make their pick in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 15, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Todd Gurley (3) breaks a tackle by Auburn Tigers defensive back Joshua Holsey (15) during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Auburn 34-7. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Todd Gurley (3) breaks a tackle by Auburn Tigers defensive back Joshua Holsey (15) during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Auburn 34-7. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Todd Gurley, RB, St. Louis Rams

Todd Gurley is, without a doubt, the more talented of the two backs who went in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft, but first and foremost he needs to be healthy for the first week of the season as well as stay healthy for the entirety of it.

While I feel confident on both points, his knee injury was a serious one and he might not be back to 100 percent by the first week of the season.

He’s got a few other things in his path as well.

The St. Louis Rams offensive line was awful last season, though Rodger Saffold and Greg Robinson should be better this season. At least, they hope Robinson does, since they have him at left tackle. Last season, he looked overwhelmed just about anywhere he was, and as expected excelled at run-blocking while faltering at pass-blocking.

The Rams did draft enough players for an almost entirely new offensive line if need be, and Rob Havenstein should emerge as the perfect player to plug in at right tackle. Jamon Brown’s abilities are best suited to guard, so expect him to be kicked inside and he’s a guy for whom the best years are to come, having just barely scraped his potential.

Gurley also has a good quarterback to keep defenses from stacking the box. Maybe Nick Foles isn’t as good as he looked a couple of seasons ago, but he’s better – and stays healthier – than Sam Bradford ever did. Hopefully he can help Kenny Britt reboot his career while also assisting Tavion Austin, Stedman Bailey, Brian Quick and Chris Givens reach new heights.

If Foles can keep the box clear and the offensive line can open some running lanes – and if Gurley is healthy – he could put up some impressive numbers.

Next: Melvin Gordon, RB, San Diego

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