Can Melvin Gordon be a top 5 RB in 2015?

Nov 29, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Melvin Gordon (25) during the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 34-24. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Can Gordon Be A Top-5 Running Back Next Year As A Rookie?

Yes, I believe he can be.

Running back isn’t the toughest position to break into the NFL at. The hardest part for backs is typically picking up the blocking assignments and gaining the trust of the quarterback and coach. Gordon’s maturity by coming back to school for his junior season gives him an advantage in this category.

Barry Sanders, the only college football player that’s ran for more yards in a single-season than Gordon, was All-Pro as a rookie and ran for 1470 yards. Ladainian Tomlinson, the running back that used to own the NCAA record for rushing yards in a single game (406) until Gordon broke that record (408), ran for 1236 yards as a rookie in the NFL. Emmitt Smith was a Pro Bowl selection as a rookie as was the Green Bay Packers’ rookie runner Eddie Lacy two years ago.

I’m not saying that Gordon is going be as great as the aforementioned Hall of Fame running backs — it’s obviously far too early to say that. I’m just pointing out that it’s not uncommon for running backs to have great success from as early as their rookie seasons.

At 6 foot 1 and 213 pounds, he has ideal NFL size to compliment his arsenal of moves and pure talent. In the right system he could shine in the pros.

Look around the NFL, Gordon does have a chance to be a top-5 running back if he’s given a starter’s share of carries in 2015. DeMarco Murray, Le’Veon Bell, and LeSean McCoy are all pretty much locks to be in the top-5 running back discussion in 2015, but after that it opens up a bit.

Marshawn Lynch is, supposedly, mulling retirement, Adrian Peterson is attempting to come back from his legal troubles, Arian Foster is aging, and so is Matt Forte. I suppose Eddie Lacy, Jamaal Charles, and a few other backs could be in the conversation for top-5 in the league next season, but that does leave some room for Gordon to sneak into the conversation.

Speaking of Charles, the four-time Pro Bowler, many people are comparing Gordon’s game and abilities to his. They have similar running styles and they could have similar success in the pros. If so, Gordon will be in that top-5 discussion sooner than later.

Next: Who Might Draft Gordon and Where Might He Be Drafted?