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Travis Thomas: 3 Reasons The Ravens Should Draft Todd Gurley

Should the Ravens select a running back in the 2015 NFL Draft? Travis Thomas gives three reasons why Todd Gurley could be the perfect back for Baltimore.

1. Ravens Scheme

Justin Forsett had an outstanding season, but at 5'8, 198 pounds, nobody can convince me he has an NFL body that's built to last. We witnessed Forsett start to slow down as the season progressed towards the playoffs. I would argue that Forsett could potentially be even more dangerous as a complementary back, lighting to Todd Gurley's thunder. At 6'1, 226 pounds, Gurley has the dynamic ability to run you over or blow by you with his top end speed. Add year two big body back Lorenzo Taliaferro for depth and as a short yardage back, all of the sudden the Ravens have the most deadly and versatile running games in the league. With the lack of weapons on the outside at wideout and questions at the tight end position, the Ravens could heavily rely on the running game and minimize Joe Flacco's turnovers. A strong running game would also keep the Ravens defense fresher while wearing down opposing defensives as the game goes on.

2. A Chip On His Shoulder

Nobody should want more success on the next level than Todd Gurley. All great athletes have something that drives them. Somebody or something along the way that was an obstacle for the player, the great ones use it as fuel to become great. Gurley had to overcome NCAA sanctions, that I would argue were bogus. He also will have people questioning his durability, so expect him to overcome untimely knee and ankle injuries. If you look around at knee injuries in general nowadays, players are coming back bigger, better, and stronger than ever. Many experts have no clue where Gurley could end up being drafted. Some suggest he could be a top ten pick, while others have him going late first round or early second round. One thing is for sure, the value of the NFL running back has diminished significantly over the years. No running back has been taken in the first round since 2012, so more than likely, Gurley will be passed over by several teams, only adding to the size of that chip on his shoulder.

3. Ravens Culture

"Play Like A Raven." A term we have all come to know and love. Hell, it's not a quote, it's a way of life! Anybody who watched this young man tote that pill at Georgia knows he embodies that moniker. Gurley proved he can get repeated, multiple carries throughout every game and get stronger as the game goes on. Gurley has also shown and proven he is effective in pass protection, and in case you weren't watching him in college, he is a great kick returner as well. The life of an NFL running back doesn't last long, so I could see the Ravens leaning heavily on Gurley for several seasons early on at a bargain price, and then letting somebody else break the bank for him come contract time. Playing like a Raven means playing with an edge, playing with toughness and controlled chaos. If you didn't watch Todd Gurley at University Of Georgia, please go do some research, for those of you who have, let's draft Todd Gurley and play like Ravens offensively here in Baltimore.

 

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