Los Angeles Chargers: Five players with the most to prove in 2018

3. Melvin Gordon, RB

Melvin Gordon is just fine as the premier running back for the Los Angeles Chargers. While he may be no LaDainian Tomlinson, Gordon efficiently does what the Chargers brought him in to do and is a threat in both the passing and running game. Alongside Austin Ekeler, the Chargers have a good 1-2 punch in the backfield alongside Philip Rivers.

However, Gordon still needs to take that extra step to be the franchise running back that the Chargers drafted him as. Heading into the league, Gordon was paired up with draft classmate Todd Gurley. Gurley and Gordon were painted as franchise backs, two backs that could lead a team to the promise land.

When one thrives, the other flounders. Gurley had an insane rookie season and Gordon was just decent. In 2017, Gordon enjoyed a good sophmore year and Gurley endured a sophomore slump. Last season, Gurley was an MVP candidate and Gordon was just another piece to the puzzle.

Gordon did rush for 1105 yards and eight touchdowns, which is a very promising sign for the Chargers. However, when it comes to Gordon, the Chargers need consistency. One game he looks unstoppable, the next he rushes only nine times for 13 yards.

And while it is unfair to expect 100-yard performances out of Gordon every game, the Chargers need to display the confidence in him to be the feature back on a daily basis.

There is no doubt in my mind that Gordon will take that next step for the Los Angeles Chargers. The only question is when he will take that step. It has to be in 2018.