The San Diego Chargers invested a first-round pick into Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon this year, hoping he could remedy a running game that ranked 30th in yards-per-carry (3.4) and yards-per-game (85.4) and 29th in rushing touchdowns (6). Gordon, at 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds, is a big work horse type back who produced gaudy numbers during his college career. He steps into San Diego's backfield as the lead option from Day 1.
In fact, his looming workload and impressive talent have convinced ESPN NFL Insider Mel Kiper Jr. that Gordon will be the top rookie in fantasy football this year.
"When you watched Gordon running away from defenses last season at Wisconsin, you might have thought he's an edge runner not ready for an NFL workload," Kiper wrote. "The thing is, Gordon carried the ball 343 times in 2014, more than any NFL running back not named DeMarco Murray. I like the San Diego depth chart, but make no mistake that Gordon is the alpha back here, and 220-250 carries are possible. He could be a top-10 back."
San Diego's backfield also includes Branden Oliver, Danny Woodhead and Donald Brown. All three got their shot as the No. 1 guy last year due to injuries. This year, they'll backup Gordon who will receive plenty of opportunities to justify his first-round cost.
However, he'll have to overcome a shaky offensive line. Pro Football Focus ranked the unit just 29th in the NFL last year (27th in pass blocking, 26th in run blocking).
"Stud: He'll never be confused as elite, but King Dunlap is a solid enough left tackle that can get some push in the run game.
"Dud: Pick a guard, any guard. We'll go with Johnnie Troutman who just didn't deliver in his 790 snaps. The whole interior is ripe for ripping up.
"Breakdown: They don't give you the cleanest pocket and the moves they've made haven't turned them into road graders. D.J. Fluker concerns you with his pass protection and yet he's arguably the only guy you'd guarantee will be starting for the team next season even if it is at guard."
