2015 NFL Draft: Top Running Back Prospects Available For the Baltimore Ravens

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Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Melvin Gordon runs with the ball in a drill during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin, 6’1″ 215 LBS

Gordon ran a little slower than expected at the combine but still produced a quality time. He also did very well in field work, and he ran better at his pro day. Gordon is a play-maker with excellent speed, good size, and the toughness to be an every-down back. He has excellent cutting ability, vision, patience and balance. He has amazing acceleration and the ability to follow blocks and find holes to daylight.

Gordon has an effective spin move that makes defenders miss in the open field. He has the natural balance to bounce off contact without losing momentum and the physical nature to break arm tackles. He can cover ten yards in a few strides when fully uncorked in open field.

In 2014, Gordon posted the second-most single-season rushing yards in FBS History with 2,587 (Barry Sanders is No. 1 with 2,628 in 1988). Gordon holds the NCAA Division I FBS record for being the fastest player to reach 2,000 yards rushing in a season, doing it on only 241 carries. During his four years at Wisconsin, Gordon rushed for 4,915 yards and racked up 45 rushing touchdowns. He averaged 111.7 rushing yards per game with an incredible 7.8 yards per carry.

There is no doubting Gordon’s talent, as he is definitely one of this year’s top running backs. Gordon showed in 2014 that he can be utilized out of the backfield as a receiver, but he needs to improve in that area at the next level. He produced very well in college, and like Gurley, will be a starter on pretty much any NFL team.

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