Melvin Gordon makes sense for Jacksonville Jaguars at 3
The Jacksonville Jaguars are in the midst of a rebuilding project and own the third pick in the 2015 NFL draft. With many holes and pressing needs to address, I think the Jags should take a long hard look at former University of Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon III. The NFL draft has devalued the running back position as there has not been a back taken in the first round for two consecutive years. That being said, why would I pound the table for a running back to be taken in the Top 3?
I don’t necessarily believe that running backs are being phased out of the NFL, I just think that the position has been void of blue-chip talent the past few years. In my opinion, recent successful running backs such as Eddie Lacy and Jeremy Hill slipped in the draft because were not considered “can’t miss” talents coming out of college.
Gordon on the other hand, is coming off an incredible junior season in which he scored 31 total touchdowns and racked up 2,587 yards rushing. Gordon’s 2014 season was so prolific, his 251-yard rushing performance in the Outback Bowl on New Year’s Day left him just 41 yards shy of Barry Sanders’ all-time FBS record for most rushing yards in a single season.
More importantly than Gordon’s production in college, I think his skill set translates nicely to the next level. Not only does Gordon possess tangible attributes such as quickness, agility, patience, and vision, but he runs with determination and passion rarely seen at the college level. Barring injury, I believe Gordon can have a similar pro career to former San Diego Chargers’ great LaDainian Tomlinson. Ironically enough, Tomlinson once held the FBS record for most rushing yards in a single game before Gordon broke that record with a 408 yard performance this year against Nebraska.
Not only does Gordon possess the necessary talent of a top three pick, but he also fills a huge need for the Jaguars as well. As a team, the Jaguars rushed for just 1,633 yards this past year, good for 21st in the NFL. Former college quarterback Denard Robinson was the team’s leading rusher with a paltry 582 yards while rookie quarterback Blake Bortles was second on the team in rushing with 419 yards. I think it’s safe to say that Gordon would be a major upgrade over any of Jacksonville’s current options in the backfield.
If a top quarterback like Marcus Mariota or Jameis Winston is still available when Jacksonville is on the clock, the Jags could possibly trade down and still nab Gordon later in the first round. However, I would have no problem with Jacksonville if they stay put at number three and select their running back of the future.
In my opinion, former first round busts such as Doug Martin and Trent Richardson should have no bearing on how teams view future prospects at the position. It may not be a popular idea in mock drafts across the internet, but I think Melvin Gordon should get consideration as a top 3 selection in this year’s NFL draft.