Melvin Gordon’s Stock on the Rise

Nov 15, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Melvin Gordon (25) celebrates his touchdown with cornerback Darius Hillary (5) during the game with the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin defeated Nebraska 59-24. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports

The value of a great running back hasn’t gone anywhere!

The late, great Vince Lombari once said, “Football will always be first and foremost a running game.” So it kills me to hear people say that the running back position is now devalued because of the rule changes to enhance passing. But Marshawn Lynch went “Beast Mode” last year to bring the Seattle Seahawks their first Super Bowl win in franchise history.

Then I hear these commentators say, “You can always get a running back late in the draft.”because of Terrell Davis.” These commentators must have quickly forgotten that quarterback Tom Brady went in the sixth round just like Davis did. The real problem is with all of the passing their doing in high school now, the truly special kids want the ball so they play receiver.

And in turn, so that has reduced the amount of special running backs coming out in the draft these days. Sure, you can find a running back in the mid-to-late rounds to have a couple of good years for you but  you get Adrian Petersons and Lynchs in the first round. There just aren’t too many special running backs coming out in the draft these days but Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon is one of them.

That’s why he is soon to join Georgia’s Todd Gurley as running backs with a universal high-1st-round grade.

Turn the page for a closer look.