Could the Green Bay Packers be a serious candidate to dramatically upgrade their running back position by drafting proven home grown commodity Melvin Gordon?
Today we take a look at what the Packers might see while studying this highly productive college back and analyze what he could bring to the table should he become a member of the Green Bay Packers.
Packers prospect profile: RB Melvin Gordon
Player information: RB Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin. Junior 6-1, 215 lbs.
Hometown: Kenosha, WI.
Stats:
NFL Combine:
40 time: 4.52 seconds, rank among running backs: 5th
Vertical Jump: 35 inches, rank among running backs: 15th
225# bench: 19 reps, rank among running backs: 15th
Broad Jump: 126 inches, rank among running backs: 3rd
News and Notes:
Combine times for other benchmark tests were outstanding. Gordon ran the 60-yard shuttle in 11.00 seconds which is the fastest run by any player that tested at the combine. It is also the fastest time in almost eight years. Gordon also placed second in his position group in the 20-yard shuttle (4.07 seconds).
The NCAA’s second leading career rusher trailing only legendary Barry Sanders. Gordon distinguished by being selected first team All BIG 10 and First Team All American. Former holder of the NCAA single game rushing record when on Nov. 15, 2014 vs. Nebraska Gordon rushed for a single-game FBS record 408 yards. Gordon broke the old mark of 406 rushing yards set by LaDainian Tomlinson. Gordon’s record would be broken just a week later by Oklahoma’s Samaje Perine with 427 yards, along with five touchdowns.
Gordon was named MVP of the Outback Bowl after rushing for 251 yards and three touchdowns in Wisconsin’s upset overtime victory over Auburn University.
What they are saying about him:
ESPN Draft guru Mel Kiper projects Gordon going 24th to Arizona in the first round of the upcoming NFL Draft.
“If there’s one back in that borderline late-first area, it’s Melvin Gordon of Wisconsin. For teams looking for a franchise running back (there are still a few), Gordon has most of what they’re seeking. He has good size (6-1, 215 pounds), is built like a tank and is durable, explosive and highly productive.” – Greg A. Bedard, Sports writer for Sports Illustrated.
“I like Duke Johnson (Miami University) more than Melvin Gordon as a pro running back to be honest with you” – Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller.
“… the 2015 class (of running backs) offers one of the best crops in recent memory, led by Todd Gurley of Georgia and Melvin Gordon of Wisconsin. They are NFL-ready, offer high-level potential and can be immediate difference makers in the pros.” – Eric Galko, Optimum Scouting and contributor to The Sporting News.
If drafted by the Packers:
Gordon would be a dream pick by many fans who closely follow both the Green Bay Packers and the Wisconsin Badgers. A Wisconsin native who hails from Kenosha Bradford High School, the same school as another University of Wisconsin football legend and former Baltimore Colts running back Alan “The Horse” Ameche. The patient running Gordon has wonderful peripheral vision and a great burst which could provide an instant upgrade on kick returns. Where some have projected Gordon as a first round pick, I see him available in the second round, perhaps as late as the Packers 30th pick. If he is there when the Packers make their selection he would offer a temptation that the Packers may not be able to pass on. Gordon would allow the Packers to field a formidable one-two punch along with Eddie Lacy for years to come. His selection would also ensure that if injury were to befall top back Lacy, an able replacement would be ready to step in without a huge drop-off.
——————Jeff Albrecht grew up just north of Green Bay and was lucky enough to attend some of the Lombardi Era classic games, like the 1962 championship and the Ice Bowl. Jeff went on to play HS football in the Green Bay area and College ball at UW - Stevens Point. Jeff is retired but still does some writing for his local paper. Jeff is a writer with AllGreenBayPackers.com and you can follow him on twitter at @pointerjeff .
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Lacy and Gordon in same backfield – Wow!!!
You mentioned Alan Ameche – he used to go to the same small Catholic Church as I did along with Joe Klecko. Went to Ameche’s house once and he pointed out his Heisman Trophy. Very nice man. Beautiful house. My family looked at it to buy. We should have. He died at 55 – way too young.
Randall Cobb info – looks like he’s gone
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/packers-have-options-if-randall-cobb-leaves-b99455123z1-294947891.html
Thanks for the great Ameche story. Ameche scored the winning touchdown for the Colts vs. the Giants in what has become known as the “Greatest NFL Game Ever Played”; the 1958 Championship Game. Also interesting that his cousin Don Ameche, also from Kenosha, Wi, was a mega Hollywood star. The debate: Is Alan Ameche the greatest Wisconsin born and raised athlete ever?
If Cobb leaves, I’d love them to draft Gordon. Obviously he’d be great in the backfield, but I bet he could line up in the slot and be successful as well.
Gordon’s receiving skills must be much better than I thought. I was under the impression that his hands are marginal.
I think questionable is fair largely since he was untested. The Badger QB’s were, shall we say, less than average and they have never really used their backs as receivers like they could have. Having said that, he caught 19 passes this year and to me, he passed the eye test.
Gordon has great balance and burst. Vision is okay, and better when he gets into the open field. Hands are questionable. Pass pro is questionable. Is he special? Tempting at #62. Not tempting at #30 for GB, at least.
I would like to see Melvin Gordon or Ameer Abdulah on Packers roster for 2015 season. I’m not rue which one I like better. Melvin can replace James Starks completely, but Ameer can be 3rd RB for the special tasks…
Abdullah would be a great fit with his ability to return punts and kickoffs.
Thanks for your input.