You and I know just as much about the running back situation for the Seattle Seahawks as they do. That's because stalwart Marshawn Lynch is mulling retirement this offseason and hasn't let anyone know what his intensions are.
Lynch will turn 29 in April, and despite his immense workload since arriving in Seattle, he likely still has some gas left in the tank. However, the physical punishment he's endured over his career and the tension between him and the organization over his contract could lead to a retirement. If that happens, the Seahawks need to find a replacement. Robert Turbin and Christine Michael have potential; though it is unknown if either can handle the rigors of being an every down back.
That's why the Seahawks may look at Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon and Georgia's Todd Gurley in the upcoming NFL draft.
"Most mock drafts have Gordon going between 18 to 28 in the first round, so he might not make it to the Seahawks at 31," ESPN Seahawks reporter Terry Blount wrote. "But considering how running backs have been devalued in recent years, you never know. Gordon's burst at the line of scrimmage is unmatched by anyone. He gets to the point of attack with such quickness that he often reaches the second level before the men on the line know he's by them. But he doesn't always trust his blocking, something that won't fly in offensive line coach Tom Cable's system. And Gordon does put the ball on the turf at times, a big no-no in the Seahawks' philosophy."
Gordon finished the 2014 season as a Heisman finalist with over 2,000 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns. Although no running back has been taken in the first-round since 2012, Seattle's potential need and Gordon's talent could put an end to that streak.
But don't forget about Gurley, who was considered the top back in the nation by many NFL scouts before he tore his ACL.
"He would have been long gone by the end of the first round if not the torn ACL he suffered last season, which will cause a lot of teams to shy away," Blount wrote. "But assuming he comes back healthy, Gurley is the closest thing to a Lynch-type runner in this draft. Before his injury last season, 62 percent of his rushing yards came after first contact. But he's a bit impatient at times, not unusual for young running backs, and he needs to learn to trust his blockers."
Gurley rushed for 911 yards and nine touchdowns in six games last season. He was suspended for four games last October for accepting money in exchange for autographing memorabilia but has not had any off-field incidents outside of that. Teams will rightly be worried about his knee and past injury history. But when healthy, Gurley might be the most talented back in this draft class.
