The Detroit Lions hosted Georgia tailback Todd Gurley for a pre-draft visit on Monday, according to Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com. Gurley was considered one of the top running backs in the nation before tearing his ACL this past season. Even with the injury, he and Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon are candidates to break the NFL's streak of two straight drafts without a running back being selected in the first round.
The Lions are a logical landing spot for Gurley. Detroit ranked just 28th in rushing yards per game (88.9) and cut ties with veteran RB Reggie Bush this offseason. While the coaches like Joique Bell and Theo Riddick, neither is an effective every down player. The duo would be nice compliments to Gurley, however.
Gurley, 6-foot-1, 222 pounds, has drawn comparisons to Marshawn Lynch as a physical, bruising runner with deceptive speed. The former Bulldog produced 4,322 all-purpose yards and 3,285 rushing yards, second behind Herschel Walker in school history. He rushed for 773 yards and eight touchdowns in Georgia's first five games last season.
After that, Gurley was suspended for four games for selling signed memorabilia. In his first game back, he suffered a torn ACL following a 138-yard, one touchdown performance.
"I'm doing pretty good," Gurley said to DetroitLions.com. "I'm down in Pensacola, Florida rehabbing. I haven't started running yet. I've been squatting, jump ropes, ladder and I'm building strength definitely feeling a lot stronger."
Upgrading the running game will also alleviate pressure from quarterback Matthew Stafford, who threw for the fewest yards since an injury ended his season in 2010.
Gurley may not be ready to go at 100 percent as soon as a team drafts him. But the upside he has may be too much to pass up on. The Lions hold the 23rd overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft. Will they consider using it on Gurley?
