San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers does not seem like a happy camper. He is entering the final year of his contract, which normally prompts both player and franchise to hammer out an extension. However, Rivers appears perfectly content to hit free agency next season and bypass the long-term extension and immediate security it provides. That has led some to believe that Rivers wants out of San Diego.
One way to turn a frown on a disgruntled QB's face upside down is to inject the offense with some talent. Since Ryan Mathews left in free agency, the Chargers have a hole at the running back position. Perhaps San Diego kills two birds with one stone by adding the draft's most talented running back in Todd Gurley.
"The other players I considered here were DE Arik Armstead, OL Cameron Erving, DT Malcom Brown and OTS T.J. Clemmings and Ereck Flowers," ESPN NFL Draft Insider Todd McShay wrote in his Mock Draft 4.0. "But Gurley might be too tempting to pass up. The Chargers need a lead back with Ryan Mathews departing to the Eagles in free agency, and while Gurley brings durability concerns coming off a torn ACL, he's one of the most talented players in this entire class with his blend of power and breakaway speed. He'd help take some pressure off of quarterback Philip Rivers."
Gurley carried the ball 123 times for 911 yards (7.4 yards-per-carry average) and nine touchdowns in just six games last year. In three years at Georgia, he totaled 3,285 rushing yards (6.5 career YPC) and 36 rushing touchdowns.
A running back has not been drafted in the first round since 2012, but if Gurley's knee checks out medically he could break that trend. He has been compared to Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch due to his physical running style and deceptive speed. That type of running back is a QB's best friend.
