2015 NFL Draft: Top 10 Running Backs
By Daniel Tran
1. Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin
Wisconsin has had a habit of turning out excellent running backs, with Monte Ball and James White being the most recent products of their football program. That tradition continues with Melvin Gordon expected to forgo his senior season and enter into the 2015 NFL Draft after an outstanding season.
After playing behind Ball and White in 2012 and sharing carries with White in 2013, Gordon showed NFL scouts what he could do when he was The Man for the Wisconsin Badgers. In 14 games, Gordon led college football with 2,587 yards rushing and 29 touchdowns, resulting in his candidacy for the Heisman Trophy.
Gordon has a well-rounded skill set that will translate well in the NFL. His vision and acceleration once he identifies the open gap will be his greatest assets when teams evaluate him on film. He also possesses sneaky power if defenders underestimate him and his 6’1”, 207-pound frame.
One area he will have to improve is his ability to catch out of the backfield. He showed flashes of skill, with 19 receptions for 153 yards and three touchdowns, but he will have show that he can be dependable in a pass-catching league.
With the injury to Todd Gurley, there is no doubt that Melvin Gordon should be the first running back taken off the board.
Projected Pick: mid-first round