The St. Louis Rams gave football fans their first surprise of the NFL Draft when they selected Georgia running back Todd Gurley with the No. 10 overall pick.
The selection was a surprise because the Rams seemed happy with the emergence of Tre Mason in 2014 (765 yards and four touchowns in 12 games) and also still had Benny Cunningham and Zac Stacy behind him. St. Louis also has bigger needs elsewhere, such as along the offensive line and among the wide receivers. But now that Gurley is officially a Ram, fantasy football owners should start wondering if he's worth a roster spot in 2015.
"Gurley is my favorite rookie this year," ESPN Fantasy Insider Christopher Harris wrote. "In standard leagues, he might still be my No. 1 pick, but he's coming off a torn ACL and is no sure thing to play Week 1. I'm excited to see him become a star in '16. And heck, maybe he recovers quickly and elbows Tre Mason into a supplemental role right away. But knowing what I know in May, I have to admit there's a chance he gives you very little this season."
Gurley tore his ACL in November, putting him on track for a return sometime mid-season. But how effective will he be out of the gate and how much playing time will he receive? St. Louis may have shipped Stacy off to the New York Jets but that backfield is still pretty crowded.
I'm a huge believer in Gurley's talent and I admit that there is a scary lack of depth at the RB position in fantasy. But unless the Rams announce that he will be starting from Day 1, I think I'd prefer similar late-round picks such as Shane Vereen or Montee Ball. At least they have the potential to contribute early on. (Side Note: This is the last chance for Ball).
I hope Gurley proves me wrong. I hope he is healthy enough to start early in the season and effective enough to be the lead back in St. Louis. But I'm not sold on either of those prospects just yet.
