Baltimore Ravens: 5 Running Back Draft Targets

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

Melvin Gordon – Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon is one of the top running backs in this draft class. Gordon is tall and strong, and can use his long stride to break away and make huge plays.

Oct 25, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Melvin Gordon (25) during warmups prior to the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 52-7. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

He is an explosive runner and is one of the quickest backs in this year’s class. Once he gets into the open field, he is tough to stop.

Since 2012, Gordon has rushed 611 times for 4,817 yards and 44 touchdowns. He also significantly improved in the passing game in 2014.

From 2011-2013, Gordon only caught three passes for Wisconsin. In 2014, he made 19 receptions for 153 yards and three touchdowns.

If he can develop his ability in the passing game even more, he could easily be the best running back of this year’s class.

His pass protection requires the most improvement to become a three-down back, although this can be taught and developed.

Gordon has been a star in Wisconsin, and there is no reason to believe he can’t develop into one of the best backs in the NFL.

For the Ravens to land him, they will most likely need to use their first-round pick (26th overall), or trade up in the second round should he make it that far.

Next: Beast Mode 2.0?