Rams News: Comparing big name running backs from 2015 draft

Melvin Gordon (LAC)

2016 Stats:

CAR: 254
RUSH YDS: 997
REC: 41
REC YDS: 419
TD: 12

2017 Outlook: Like many of the other running backs on this list, Melvin Gordon struggled his rookie year, but was able to make a comeback in 2016. He made an impact through the air and on the ground- combining for 1,416 yards from scrimmage despite the Chargers’ poor offensive line.

The only downside to Gordon’s play was that he averaged a mediocre 3.9 yards per carry which can be attributed to the bad O-line last year. However, the entire off-season seemed to suggest that he is going to have a tremendous 2017 campaign.

In free-agency, the Chargers lost Danny Woodhead and signed OT Russel Okung. The departure of Woodhead will most likely result in more receptions for Gordon, who already saw a very high 41 last season.

Russel Okung, though not a tremendous offensive tackle, will be able to improve the Chargers’ line and help support Melvin Gordon in the ground game.

The Chargers then followed these moves up with the addition of WR Mike Williams, G Forrest Lamp, and G Dan Feeny with their first three picks of the draft.

While Williams gives opposing defenses another target to worry about in the passing game, Lamp and Feeny give strength in the trenches and give the Chargers a more threatening running attack.

While the Chargers and Anthony Lynn seem to be taking an improved Cowboys approach to building their team- an approach that relies on controlling the clock with a strong run game to mask a bad defense- Melvin Gordon could make an even larger step up this season in terms of development.

Expect to see his rushing totals go up and his receptions to be more frequent in games.