2015 NFL Draft: Redskins Draft Prospects 16-20
By Chris West
Nov 29, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Melvin Gordon (25) 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, RB
College Team: Wisconsin
Size: 6′ 1″, 215 lbs
Speed: 40yd-4.52, 10yd-1.62
Measurements: Arms-32 and 3/8″, Hands-9 and 3/4″
Melvin Gordon ran for a staggering 2,587 yards in 2014. He ran for 408 yards in one game versus Nebraska, playing in only three quarters. His 29 touchdowns led all of college football.
Gordon was second in the Heisman trophy voting and won the Doak Walker award as the best running back in the nation. He was consistently good with over 100 yards in 12 games and over 200 in six of them. Gordon excelled in 2014 with James White and Montee Ball in the NFL.
Strengths:
Gordon has good size for a speed back. His long strides allow him to reach top speed quickly. Gordon has excellent vision and runs to daylight well.
Gordon follows his blocks well on the perimeter
Gordon follows his blocks well on the perimeter and can bounce a long gain at any time. He has excellent balance and is able to bounce off tackles or run through them. Gordon is a good receiver out of the backfield and will show that more when not in Wisconsin’s run heavy system.
Weaknesses:
Gordon tends to get happy feet when behind the line of scrimmage and is tackled behind the line of scrimmage. He is indecisive and needs to make decisions quicker. Wisconsin’s offensive line is excellent and he won’t have as big holes in the NFL.
Gordon needs to improve his ball security as he has fumbled too much. He will need to get stronger to run inside better in the NFL and have a tighter grip on the football. Gordon is not a power runner which could handicap him on short yardage plays.
Redskins fit:
Gordon would be a good change of pace running back to team with Alfred Morris. He would probably fill that role better even than Todd Gurley because of his differing style of play. Gordon would also be good insurance for the Redskins with Morris’ contract over after 2015.
Gordon may even be able to be the third down back for the team. He would have to show good pass protection first. Gordon would not fit well in a zone blocking system at this time but the Redskins are expected to run a more power attack in 2015.
Next: Number Twenty Redskins Draft Prospect