Melvin Gordon is likely to be this season’s most productive rookie RB.
After two years without a a running back being taken in the first round of the NFL draft, the position burst back on the scene this past weekend, with two running backs selected in the first 15 picks. As as Wisconsin alum, I could not be more excited about Melvin Gordon’s (MGIII) selection by the San Diego Chargers. He is in a great place to succeed for fantasy owners.
Gordon should immediately take over as the #1 role in San Diego. The offense will still be centered around Phillip Rivers and the passing game, but that should keep opposing safeties back and the running lanes open. For those who haven’t followed Gordon’s collegiate career closely, he is a speedy back and is excellent in open space. NFL draft gurus often compared his abilities to that of Jamaal Charles. One of the knocks on Gordon is that he lacks great hands, so expect Danny Woodhead and Branden Oliver to be a factor on third downs and passing situations.
Gordon’s addition should help San Diego’s offense move the chains and stay on the field, which should provide a fantasy boost to Rivers and top targets Keenan Allen, Malcom Floyd, and Antonio Gates. If you do happen to draft MGIII, it probably wouldn’t be a bad idea to add Branden Oliver in the later rounds. Oliver’s value obviously takes a hit from the addition of Gordon, but don’t expect the Chargers to make Gordon a traditional “bellcow.” Oliver has proved himself a capable back, and should still get 5-10 carries per game.
Pencil Melvin Gordon in as a high-end RB2 with a little bit of risk, but high reward. He should be taken ahead of fellow 1st rounder Todd Gurley. I currently have him as the 15th rated RB between the Eagle version of DeMarco Murray and Carlos Hyde.
Projections: 1100 yards rushing, 9 TDS
Trevor Spranger is a correspondent at FantasyPros. To read more from Trevor, you can check out his archive or follow him @tspranger.
