2015 NFL Draft Profile: Melvin Gordon, RB Wisconsin

Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon has had an unbelievable NCAA Career. During his four seasons at the college level, he has ran for 4,915 yards and has scored 45 rushing touchdowns. Even more impressive is that 29 of those scores came during his 2015 campaign when he rushed for 2,587 yards.

The only real questions about Melvin Gordon are his overall strength and his ability to catch passes out of the backfield. Despite those weaknesses, he could be the most complete running back in this draft class. He could prove himself to be a good pass catcher on the NFL level, but he was never really asked to do that very much for Wisconsin.

When a team selects Gordon, they know that they’ll get a solid runner who will be able to contribute immediately for them. He’s got the skills that most teams look for in a running back, and if that position was still a premium in the NFL, Melvin Gordon would be a top 10 pick. However, based on his position, he’ll likely slide to the middle to end of the first round.

Jan 1, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Melvin Gordon (25) runs the ball in the first half against the Auburn Tigers in the 2015 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

Combine Measurables:

Height: 6’1″
Weight: 215 pounds
Arm Length: 32.375″
Hand Size: 9.75″
40 Yard Dash: 4.52 seconds
Bench Press: 19 reps
Vertical Jump: 35″
Broad Jump: 126″
3 Cone Drill: 7.04 seconds
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.07 seconds
60 Yard Shuttle: 11.00 seconds

Draft Projection

Melvin Gordon is the #22 overall prospect and the #2 running back in the 2015 NFL Draft class according to CBS Sports. He should be a first round selection.

NFL Player Comparison

NFL.com: Robert Smith (Former Minnesota Vikings)
CBSSports.com: Reggie Bush (San Francisco 49ers)

Fit For The Vikings

Right now, Minnesota doesn’t have the need for Melvin Gordon. They’re set with Adrian Peterson, Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata. However, if something happens in the meantime, he could be a name on the Vikings list.

My Take

I really enjoy watching Melvin Gordon play. In my opinion, he’s the best running back in the draft class. He reminds me a lot of Jamaal Charles when I watch him play. However, he isn’t a need for the Vikings at this moment and I expect the Vikings to pass on Gordon in the first round and for him to be gone by the time the team’s second round pick comes along.

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