2015 NFL Draft: Ranking the Top 5 RB Prospects
By Evan Massey
Jan 1, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Melvin Gordon (25) runs for a touchdown 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
2. Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin Badgers
At 6’0″ and 215 pounds, Melvin Gordon came through with a monstrous season for the Wisconsin Badgers in 2014. He totaled 2,587 yards and 29 touchdowns on 343 carries throughout the season, and finished second in the Heisman Trophy race.
Gordon is going to be an immediate impact player for whoever ends up drafting him, and will immediately step into an every down starting situation. Due to his blazing 4.52 40-yard dash speed (6th in draft combine), he can try to get to the outside too often, but that can be fixed with NFL coaching. That same speed allowed him to make plays out of nothing, and he has excellent patience find the right hole when he isn’t forcing the big play.
Walter Football’s Charlie Campbell compared Gordon to former Tennessee Titans superstar running back Chris Johnson, which is a very fair comparison due to their speed and dynamic flair.
That clip shows exactly the type of patience that Gordon can have, and the success he has had when he slows himself down like that. Once he gets into any type of open field, there aren’t many defenders that can bring him down by themselves. Another side of his game is the dynamic play that was talked about earlier.
His 53-yard touchdown against Auburn was a prime example of every aspect of Gordon’s playmaking ability. He made the right move at the line to get into the open field, put on a fantastic juke move, and then blew past the safety. Finishing the run with a vicious stiff arm shows the physical side of Gordon’s game that doesn’t get talked about too much.
There aren’t many running backs with the all-around game that Gordon showed last year at Wisconsin. He is ready to take the next step, and should make a big splash in the NFL during his rookie season.
Next: 1. Todd Gurley, Georgia Bulldogs