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NFL Draft 2015 grades: San Diego Chargers select Melvin Gordon

By Matt Verderame

Nov 16, 2013; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Melvin Gordon (25) carries the footbal during warmups prior to the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2013; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Melvin Gordon (25) carries the footbal during warmups prior to the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the 15th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the San Diego Chargers selected Wisconsin Badgers running back Melvin Gordon. Gordon will be replacing Ryan Mathews, another first-round pick who showed talent in San Diego but could not stay healthy. The Chargers moved up two picks to acquire Gordon, giving the San Francisco 49ers a fourth-round pick this year and a 2016 fifth-round pick.

Grade: B+

Gordon is a true home-run hitter. He will give the Chargers a back to fear with Philip Rivers keeping the opposition honest. Gordon is also adapt at catching the ball out of the backfield and showed durability in college, leading Wisconsin to the Big Ten championship game.

So why is this grade not an A? Because there are multiple edge-rushers available that fit defensive coordinator John Pagano’s 3-4 scheme, and the Chargers passed on all of them. San Diego has absolutely no pas-rush ability, pinning most of its hopes on an unproductive Melvin Ingram to get the job done.

Still, Gordon is the type of player who can win a game for you, and that has major value. With Gordon in the backfield, there should be less pressure on Rivers to constantly win almost by himself, opening up the play-action pass.

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