In 2014, the Chargers had the 3rd-worst rushing offense in the NFL. Had they had even a plausible threat of a running game, they likely would have made the playoffs.
So, the oft-injured Ryan Mathews is out (allowed to sign with the Eagles), and Melvin Gordon is in.
The Bolts traded with the 49ers to move up two picks, from 17th overall to 15th overall, to grab the Heisman Trophy runner-up from Wisconsin. Gordon immediately adds diversity to the San Diego offense and, more importantly, gives opposing defenses something to worry about other than Philip Rivers.
And why did the Bolts feel they had to move up, surrendering their first round pick (17th overall) and fourth round pick this year plus a fifth round selection next year, to get Melvin Gordon?
“It’s Melvin Gordon," said Chargers general manager Tom Telesco. "This is a player we had targeted really all the way through. He’s such an electric player. He’s a threat to score every time he touches the ball. He’s had a great career at Wisconsin. We think he fits our offense perfectly. We couldn’t be happier to get him here.”
Gordon ran for 2,587 yards in 2014, the second-highest total in a single season in major college football history behind Barry Sanders and his 2,628 back in 1988 (of course, Sanders had two fewer games to play).
Gordon averaged 184.8 yards per game on the ground, the most since LaDainian Tomlinson ran for 196.2 yards a game in 2000. Gordon also has seven career 200-yard games and at 6'1", 215 pounds (with a 4.48 time in the 40-yard dash) he's the kind of big back the Bolts need, especially with the emergence of Branden Oliver and the return of Danny Woodhead, to add diversity to an offense that could return to the NFL's elite.
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“He brings that big play capability," said Telesco. "We want to get faster, more explosive and he will bring all of that to us. He’s a big time playmaker. Like I said, he’s a threat every time he touches the ball, but he’s also great in pass protection and he can catch the ball out of the backfield. Usually when you talk about a red zone threat, it’s a receiver or a tight end, but he’s a red zone threat as a running back. He’s got a nose for the end zone, a great burst for the end zone, a short area burst. We like people who score touchdowns. He’s going to fit in just fine.”
Gordon scored 32 touchdowns last year (29 rushing, three receiving), tied for most in the NCAA. It's always nice to have a point of reference for college players. So, is there anyone in particular Melvin Gordon reminds the Chargers of?
“There is, but I don’t want to typecast him and put too much pressure on him," said Telesco. "He will have his own style here. He’s big, sturdy, strong, fast and very athletic. He has a great feel for the game. And he’s still going to improve. We’re extremely excited.”
His running style and explosiveness are reminiscent of a slightly taller Jamaal Charles, if not quite as fast. His size and ability to score touchdowns make him look a lot like Marcus Allen. If he's anything close to either of those guys, the Chargers have themselves a heck of a football player.
