2015 NFL Mock Draft: Melvin Gordon Joins the Baltimore Ravens

Nov 15, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Melvin Gordon (25) rushes with the football during the third quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 59-24. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

As we move ever so close the most exciting and action packed part of the offseason, those of us in the “industry” continue to try and cut through the smoke screens and misdirection to figure out what players our teams will select in the draft. While I am sticking to my guns that the Ravens will go with defense at number 26 in the first round of my latest 2015 NFL mock draft, you can’t blame others for picking running backs and wide receivers.

With Justin Forsett and Ozzie Newsome expressing mutual interest in a reunion, it might seem unreasonable for the Ravens to spend a first round pick on a running back. Especially after the team used a third round selection on Lorenzo Taliaferro last year. But Ozzie was pretty clear that he still has plans of bringing in another young back even if Forsett returns in 2015.

The consensus top running back in the draft is Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon, a guy who also figures to still be on the board at the end of the first round. Gordon was incredibly productive in college but has a bit of work to do in pass protection and catching the ball out of the backfield, which just happen to be traits he can learn from Justin Forsett.

While I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Cowboys swoop in and take Gordon, Ryan Lehrman at FanSided thinks that he will ultimately be the Ravens’ choice in April, one pick before Jerry Jones gets his shot at the talented back as a DeMarco Murray replacement. Lehrman also cites Gordon’s impeccable character as another selling point for the Ravens.

"In an effort to repair the Ravens’ tainted run reputation, coach John Harbaugh could hone in on former Wisconsin RB Melvin Gordon. Gordon, who’s a Heisman Trophy finalist, set the FBS record for career rushing average, with 7.79 yards per carry. The born-and-bred Wisconsinite has breakout potential thanks to his work-horse legs and flashy top speed.More than anything, Gordon shines in acceleration mode, but he still follows his blocks and keeps his eyes on the daylight downfield. On the flip side, he’s being compared to Reggie Bush, so he’ll have to prove himself to avoid a burnout legacy. (To address the Dallas Cowboys’ intentions of swooping the young runner, even Gordon himself said Jerry Jones should keep DeMarco Murray.)"

It’s no secret that we are big fans of Melvin Gordon here at EB, and we have scouted him in detail before. I would personally still be surprised if he is ultimately the pick, however. Not only because of the team’s track record of sticking to defense in the first round, but also because I expect players who are higher on Ozzie’s draft board to be available at the time.

Still, it wouldn’t be the first time Ozzie shocked the world. Who saw the team going linebacker last year, as one example?

You can check out Ryan’s full first round 2015 NFL mock draft here.

Next: Ozzie Newsome pegs depth as the Ravens' biggest need

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