San Diego Chargers fans want to know what to expect from rookie first round running back Melvin Gordon. Fantasy football owners want to know what to expect from rookie-first-round running back Melvin Gordon. Lucky for both of them, ESPN's AFC West writers tackled the question.
They were asked what type of impact Gordon will have in the 2015 season and Denver Broncos reporter Jeff Legwold's response offers some optimism for both interested parties.
"Gordon is certainly in a plug-and-play position when it comes to rookies," Legwold wrote. "He also has a quality combination of bi-play potential coupled with good vision in tight spaces. That projects to early production. Gordon is also a closer, or has been in college. He had 40 runs of at least 15 yards this past season and over the past two seasons combined, he averaged 7.6 yards per carry. In 2013, he was the only player in FBS with three runs of at least 70 yards.
"He'll find less room to work in the NFL and if he's too quick to bounce runs wide - as he was at times at Wisconsin - he will find even with his 4.54 speed, people will run him down before he gets his shoulders squared to cut up field. He'll force more eight-man fronts against the Chargers and that should only help Philip Rivers get the ball down the field."
Gordon will join a backfield that also features Branden Oliver, Danny Woodhead and Donald Brown. Although the trio dealt with injuries and somewhat shaky play last season, that group as a whole should reinvigorate San Diego's rushing game thanks to the boost Gordon is expected to provide.
Gordon is currently ranked as the No. 38 fantasy player overall and the 17th running back by ESPN's fantasy football department. That puts him in third-fourth round range in most drafts. If Legwold is to be believed, he might be a steal at that point.
