Everyone knows the Los Angeles Rams are drafting a quarterback Thursday -- it's just a question of whether it's Cal's Jared Goff or North Dakota State's Carson Wentz.
But Rams running back Todd Gurley won't even go as far as speculating on the position. He's claiming ignorance. All he knows is one thing: Having the No. 1 overall pick carries a lot of expectations.
"It definitely made me excited," Gurley says of when he found out his team had traded for a top pick. "The No. 1 pick will hopefully put us on the edge."
There are tradeoffs that come with that top slot. The Rams traded away a bevy of draft picks -- they won't even pick on the second day of the draft. To Gurley, that puts all the more pressure on making a splash.
Los Angeles's pick could also benefit a local Red Cross chapter. Cash donations are made to recognize the FedEx Air & Ground Players of the Draft, which are the first quarterback and running back chosen in the NFL Draft. Cities where the pick is drafted receive $2,500, donated to a local Red Cross chapter.
Last year, Gurley's selection as the first running back taken brought that award to St. Louis. Now, his team's selection of a quarterback could share the wealth with L.A.
Gurley realizes that's the likelihood, and while he's reluctant to speculate too much, he admits that the prospect of a new franchise quarterback could mean big things for him and the Rams' young, promising offense.
"I mean, I don't really make the decisions, I don't do all the scouting, but it'd be exciting to see," Gurley says.
Gurley will be watching when the Rams make their pick, but he'll also be watching to see which friends of his have their dreams come true. The 10th overall overall pick in 2015, Gurley vividly remembers the anxiety of sitting there waiting for his name to be called.
"You're definitely just anxious to be in your next city, and to find out where you're going to stay at, where you're going to be living," Gurley says.
This offseason, he moved for the second time in less than a year, turning L.A. into his home. While he's grateful for the fan reception in Saint Louis, Gurley was quick to move to Southern California, moving there shortly after the franchise relocation was announced.
His favorite part of the move is obvious: "The weather," he says. But he also knows Los Angeles is a clean slate, a chance to build a history and bring the Rams franchise back to relevance. And he might have a new quarterback by his side to get the job done.
Says Gurley: "We'll find out soon."
