Georgia running back Todd GurleyTodd Gurley tearing his ACL last Saturday night could cost Georgia’s junior tailback more than $10 million in his first professional contract, according to one National Football League scouting director.
“He was a top-five player in the draft, no question about it,” said the scout, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “Before the injury he was definitely in the top five, and now it’s a tough question because there is so long between now and the draft in April. He’s got to come out of the surgery and go through the rehab process, and we’ll get to see him at the combine.
“The combine will be so important to him just from the physical standpoint and the doctors getting the MRIs and seeing where he is progress-wise. If he comes back fine, he’s still going to be a first-round pick, but he’ll be a top-20 or a top-25 guy.”
Gurley was injured in the fourth quarter of a 34-7 win over Auburn, having amassed 29 carries for 138 yards and a touchdown. It was his first performance since an Oct. 4 rout of Vanderbilt due to the 6-foot-1, 232-pounder from Tarboro, N.C., serving a four-game NCAA suspension for receiving more than $3,000 for signed memorabilia.
In the NFL draft held this past May, the Oakland Raiders had the fifth overall selection and took linebacker Khalil Mack out of the University of Buffalo. Mack agreed to a four-year contract for $18.67 million that was fully guaranteed.