Here is how i look at it.
Gurley
- born 8/3/94
- 5 star recruit out of HS
- performed at an elite level in college vs top notch competition
- drafted in top 10 of the NFL draft in an era when RB's have been devalued in the draft
- performed at an elite level in the NFL on a horrendous team
DJ
- born 12/16/91
- low level recruit out of HS
- performed at a high level in college vs low level competition
- drafted in the 3rd round of the NFL draft
- performed at an elite level for for a 4 game sample as a starter on a SB caliber team
I just think Gurley is a far far better bet based on the information we have at this stage. I like DJ a lot, i think he could be great, but he's a much bigger risk at this stage. I just don't get why someone would value him over Gurley in a dynasty league at this point in time.
The fact of the matter is,
BOTH have now performed at the highest level, the NFL.
True, as "ILuvbeer" has pointed out, Gurley may have gotten it done in college at a high level also, but the fact is both have now proven all they need to at the NFL level.
I like the future for both these guys, I really do.
In fact if I happen upon owning either in redraft next year I will be extremely pleased.
(but I probably won't own either one, I'd rather spend my early picks on stud WRs)
If I had my pick of either one in dynasty???
I think I'd slightly prefer David Johnson.
I know thats not in the majority, but I don't mind that.
You have two guys that are likely the "cream of the crop", and even though Gurley has a better track record in college, both have excelled at the NFL level.
I personally think they are both close........ but Gurley may have a slight edge as far as what he has done so far, especially in college.
DJ on the other hand, has looked very damn good, and even if we give a slight edge to Gurley, and his college performance, I would just as soon have DJ.
In what seems to be a "close race", in that I think his lack of major injury history (and being on a better offense) gives him an edge I would rather have on my side
and on my team, if that makes sense.
Lets be fair gang...
Both are pretty much top notch, and if both are healthy, then owning either one is a great scenario.
Just give me the one that has a better health slate, and he is on a better offense also, for the next few years to boot.
I doubt I will own either, but when next year rolls around, I would love to get DJ and a top end WR, if I am drafting late in drafts. (DJ/Gurley + top end WR if i'm last or near the last + swing pick)
The fact of the matter is, if he has a HUGE end of season run, and the Cardinals head to the Super Bowl, then his price will be too high for me, I see him going late first round if that happens.
As huge a fan as I am of David Johnson, thats going to be too steep for me.
As odd as it sounds, Gurley may yet turn out to be the better value.
Look, him being relatively "quiet" the last few weeks may be a blessing in disguise for us serious FF players next year when the drafts crank up.
I just hope the hype stays down on both, but in the case of DJ it can only get bigger.
TZM