Melvin Gordon III put together one of the best seasons in recent memory in 2014, when the former Wisconsin Badger rushed for 2,587 yards which was second all-time in FBS History.
The 2014 Doak Walker Award winner for the best runner in the nation, Gordon (6'1", 215 lbs.)stepped out of the shadows of former Badger running backs by returning for his Senior season. “It’s a decision I’m proud of,” said Gordon of returning to Wisconsin. “I came back because I wanted to be more of a complete running back. I wanted to be a better football player and I think I achieved that.”
His senior season saw him have an average rush of 7.5 yards a carry with 29 rushing touchdowns. During his four-year career with the Badgers, Gordon averaged 111.7 yards a game with 45 rushing touchdowns and back-to-back 1,500 plus rushing yards season. Gordon is considered the second running back this NFL Draft, in a pretty deep draft class.
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The Heisman Trophy Runner-Up and All-American has plenty to prove at the NFL level and could be a feature back on Sundays. Running a 4.52 forty-yard dash and exhibiting short-area quickness, Gordon is a playmaker in waiting for a NFL team.
Scout’s Take
Angular, talented open-field runner who combines outstanding burst with a long stride to gain separation and hit the home run. He won't be able to outrun NFL defenders like he did in college and must develop more feel between the tackles. Gordon shines when his track runs over tackle or around the end and can put a defense to sleep around the corner. Not trustworthy enough to be a three-down back, but his pass-catching improved enough to utilize him out of backfield as a receiver.
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
After three seasons as a bridesmaid in Wisconsin’s offense, Gordon had his chance to wear the white dress in 2014 and didn’t disappoint with one of the single-best rushing seasons in NCAA history. He is at his best attacking the line of scrimmage, only to jump cut and bounce outside where he can turn on the jets and race downfield – most of his damage in college came outside the tackles. Gordon has above average field speed with electric feet to make defender miss and play with instant reactions, weaving through defenders with beautiful patience and gliding strides. His game is built more on quickness and vision rather than power, but he’s tough and looks to lower his pads on contact, working hard to max out his strength potential. Gordon’s lack of reliability as a pass catcher and blocker are two glaring concerns, but he has the ingredients to be a Jamaal Charles type of weapon in the NFL.
-Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com