New England Patriots: Is Melvin Gordon a good fit?

Like many Super Bowl champions before them, the New England Patriots have lost a lot of players in free agency this offseason.

Some of the more notable names that went to other teams are Darrelle Revis, Vince Wilfork, Shane Vereen, and Stevan Ridley. The Patriots didn’t attempt to sign all of their free agents from their Super Bowl winning team, but nonetheless their spots need to be filled.

While the biggest loss of the offseason was Revis signing with the New York Jets, the loss of Vereen will have an impact on the offense.

Vereen is not the typical running back, and if he didn’t line up in the backfield probably wouldn’t be thought of as one. In the Patriots’ offense over the past few seasons, Vereen has been used almost exclusively as a receiver out of the backfield, and he has excelled in that role.

More from New England Patriots

In four seasons with the Patriots, Vereen totaled just 217 carries, 907 rushing yards, 4.2 yards per carry, and seven rushing touchdowns. Although Vereen has been an efficient runner, he was never asked to do it much, with 96 carries as his career-high in 2014.

Being a pass catcher is where Vereen has thrived in, as in his career he has totaled 107 receptions, 1,023 receiving yards, and seven receiving touchdowns. Vereen signed with the New York Giants this offseason, and as a valuable weapon for the Patriots’ offense that will have to be replaced.

With the NFL draft right around the corner, the Patriots will have the opportunity to address the void left behind by Vereen’s departure.

One of the best running back prospects in the upcoming draft is Melvin Gordon. In his final season at Wisconsin, Gordon came in second in the Heisman voting behind Marcus Mariota. In his college career, Gordon was a fantastic runner, and improved every season.

Jan 1, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Melvin Gordon (25) runs the ball in the second half against the Auburn Tigers in the 2015 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. The Badgers defeated the Tigers 34-31 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

In his career at Wisconsin, Gordon totaled 4,915 rushing yards, 45 rushing touchdowns, and 7.8 yards per carry. In his final season in college, Gordon would have a ridiculous season totaling 2,587 rushing yards, and 29 rushing touchdowns. In 2014, Gordon would also become a factor in the passing-game for Wisconsin, as he caught 19 passes for 153 receiving yards, and three receiving touchdowns.

While Gordon isn’t as accomplished as a receiver from his time at Wisconsin, he did show in his final season that he is capable of being a good weapon. If the Patriots were to draft Gordon, he would be a true replacement for Vereen, but as a pure runner, he could add a totally new dynamic to the Patriots’ offense.

Last season, the Patriots didn’t have a rusher with more than 500 rushing yards, which even in the NFL these days is shocking. Jonas Gray was the team’s leading-rusher with 412 rushing yards on the season. The Patriots will be going into next season with Gray, LeGarrette Blount, and Travaris Cadet at running back next season as of now.

None of those running backs will put much fear into any opponent, but the addition of Gordon can add a new dynamic to the offense. Gordon would certainly replace Vereen, and could be the best running back the Patriots have had in years.

Next: How will Blount's suspension impact the Patriots?

More from NFL Spin Zone

Home/New England Patriots