2015 NFL Draft: First round winners and losers analyzed
By Daniel
Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Winner: San Diego Chargers
The San Diego Chargers were one of two teams to trade up in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft. When they traded up they had one guy on their mind and they got him. The Chargers landed running back Melvin Gordon with the 15th overall pick. The former Wisconsin Badgers star wasn’t going to be around for long, after fellow running back Todd Gurley was selected 10th overall, so the Chargers didn’t take any chances.
San Diego moved up and hit their target in Gordon, but they definitely didn’t reach. They believe the former Doak Walker Award winner and 2014 NCAA leading rusher (2,587 yards) will be dominant player as soon as the season begins. Every time a team makes a trade to move up there is a risk of overpaying for the privilege to move up and a risk of sacrificing the value of the pick. The Chargers did no such thing with Gordon as they upgraded their offense and explosiveness.
The Chargers finished ranked 30th in the NFL in rushing yards per game in 2014 (85.4 yards) and it affected the entire offense. Next year, they’ll be able to rely on Gordon to not only change the rushing game, but the passing game as well. Philip Rivers will now have the luxury of throwing while defenses respect Gordon’s rushing ability.
The entire offense should be more potent next year and it all will come from the 15th overall pick. Now that’s impressive and it shows just how valuable this pick was, or should I say will show, if he lives up to the hype. If he does, look for him to be considered a top-10 running back by this time next year.
Next: The Three Losers