Meet the Prospects: Gurley, Gordon may help running backs return to 1st round
Get to know all the top prospects for the 2015 NFL Draft, most of whom will be taking the field at the NFL Scouting Combine on Feb. 17-23 in Indianapolis.
Top Prospects By Position
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Offensive Tackles
Offensive Guards/Centers
Defensive Tackles
Defensive Ends
Inside Linebackers
Outside Linebackers
Cornerbacks/Safeties
Running Backs
Todd Gurley, Georgia
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 226 lbs.
Age: 20
2014 stats: 123 carries, 911 rushing yards, 9 TDs
Gurley was suspended four games by the NCAA for accepting money for autographed memorabilia and had his 2014 season cut short by a torn ACL, but it's unlikely any of that will impact his draft stock. He's a physically-gifted back whose combination of vision, speed and power has him being compared to Marshawn Lynch and Jamal Lewis.
Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 207 lbs.
Age: 21
2014 stats: 343 carries, 2,587 rushing yards, 29 TDs, 153 receiving yards, 3 TDs
Gordon became the fastest player in FBS history to reach 2,000 yards in a season and finished second on the all-time FBS single-season rushing list. He also tied the FBS record for career average in yards per carry with 8.26 - a testament to his speed and explosiveness.
Tevin Coleman, Indiana
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 210 lbs.
Age: 21
2014 stats: 270 carries, 2,036 rushing yards, 15 TDs
Coleman left his mark on Indiana, setting school records for yards in a season and yards per carry in a season (7.5), and becoming the first Hoosiers player selected to the All-Big Ten team since 2010. He's been described as a mix between Darren McFadden and DeMarco Murray.
Duke Johnson, Miami
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 206 lbs.
Age: 21
2014 stats: 242 carries, 1,652 rushing yards, 10 TDs, 421 receiving yards, 3 TDs
Johnson finished his collegiate career as the leading rusher in Miami history with 3,519 yards and is regarded as the best pass-catching running back in the 2015 draft class. He also displays impressive acceleration and will be someone to keep an eye on during the 40-yard dash.
T.J. Yeldon, Alabama
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 221 lbs.
Age: 21
2014 stats: 194 carries, 929 rushing yards, 11 TDs
Yeldon boasts a taller stature and leaner build than most running backs, which he uses in his favor. He accelerates quickly and shows good body control, allowing him to weave around defenders. His ball security could improve, but he has plenty of athletic upside.
Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 195 lbs.
Age: 21
2014 stats: 264 carries, 1,611 rushing yards, 19 TDs, 269 receiving yards, 3 TDs
Abdullah averaged 6.1 yards per carry in 2014 and added 22 receptions for 269 yards and three touchdowns. What he lacks in size he makes up for in durability and work ethic, earning him the reputation as one of the most reliable members of Nebraska's backfield.
Jay Ajayi, Boise State
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 216 lbs.
Age: 21
2014 stats: 347 carries, 1,823 rushing yards, 28 TDs, 535 receiving yards, 4 TDs
Like Yeldon, Ajayi's biggest issue is his ball security. However, his reputation as a workhorse in Boise State's backfield has gained him considerable buzz. He rushed for over 1,400 yards in each of his last two seasons while adding 72 receptions for 757 yards and five touchdowns during that time.
Mike Davis, South Carolina
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 223 lbs.
Age: 21
2014 stats: 199 carries, 982 rushing yards, 9 TDs, 368 receiving yards, 2 TDs
Davis struggled with injuries in 2014, but was still productive, averaging 5.8 yards per carry and contributing in the passing game with 34 receptions for 352 yards and a touchdown. He is a powerful runner who can plow through defenders to pick up extra yardage.