Falcons running back Todd Gurley‘s All-Pro upside may be in question after his surprising release from the Los Angeles Rams, but Atlanta’s decision to sign him to a one-year deal was a no-brainer.
The bigger risk for the Falcons may be their decision to pass on selecting any of the running back prospects from this year’s draft class to help take some pressure off of Gurley this season. Atlanta seems confident that the 25-year-old former MVP candidate can thrive in the team’s zone-rushing scheme.
In Pro Football Focus’ running back elusiveness rankings, Gurley was listed at No. 23 of the 32 presumed starting RBs for 2020:
A chronic knee injury has left many wondering if Gurley will ever get back to the player he was prior to slowing down toward the back end of the 2018 season. He put up solid rushing numbers when factoring in how bad the Rams’ offensive line was in 2019, but the regression he has undergone as a receiver is concerning. Gurley averaged 6.7 yards per reception with a PFF receiving grade of 34.8 last season, forcing only four missed tackles on his 31 catches. That version of Gurley just isn’t the same guy with the ball in his hands.
Despite concerns over Gurley’s knee, the Falcons have a few backs — Ito Smith, Qadree Ollison and Brian Hill — that should benefit from a more experienced, healthy offensive line in 2020.
In the grand scheme of things, though, Atlanta doesn’t need Gurley to be anything other than an effective back on the ground after the team averaged just 85.1 rushing yards per game in 2019.
