The Shrinking Window of Melvin Gordon
For the draft last year, I was able to attain the 1.01 and I was contemplating using it to take Melvin Gordon — seriously, I lost sleep. I’m not proud of that fact, but we all have skeletons in our closet.
However, I didn’t draft Gordon. Then after I saw his first series in the Chargers first preseason game, I immediately knew I dodged a bullet. At that moment, I pegged him a bust. Now, I’m here to convince you that I’m right.
Before we go on, you must know that my current attitude is a complete flip-flop from when I watched him in college. When I say I watched him, I should clarify that I watched some highlights, one game, and listened to his hype.
The game I happened to catch was a Big 10 showdown between Wisconsin and Nebraska. I remember I was eagerly waiting in anticipation to watch two future NFL early draft picks, Ameer Abdullah and, our very own, Melvin Gordon!
It didn’t take long and I quickly became obsessed with Gordon. His performance will forever be etched in my mind. He simply looked faster, stronger, and better than everyone else on the field. After a broken FBS record, 408 rushing yards, and several beers later, I decided I wanted him…on my dynasty team that is.
So what changed before I drafted him at the 1.01? For me, it was the realization that Wisconsin almost always has a suburb offensive line. When I thought back to that game, it concerned me how effortlessly Gordon made it to the second level. Granted, he made in mind-blowing plays as soon as he was there. However, in the NFL, the defense is so much bigger, stronger, and faster than that of the Cornhuskers.
Unfortunately, his rookie year affirmed my concerns. Before he landed on the IR, he was only averaging 3.8 yards per carry. According to the Rotoworld mobile app, the rest of his game wasn’t much to write home about either: “[He] didn’t score a single touchdown on over 200 touches, and fumbled six times, losing four. He was also ineffective in the receiving game, averaging under six yards per catch” (Dec 21, 2015).
Yet he’s still the 25th running back in April’s ADP (www.fantasyfootballcalculator.com). This means in a 12-team league that starts two RBs weekly, Gordon is drafted as a starter if all teams draft each position evenly. That’s just too high!
I’m not suggesting that Gordon can’t turn things around or the Chargers coaching staff won’t make the proper adjustments, but I do think it’s unlikely. Also, with underrated Danny Woodhead still in the picture, I think Gordon’s ceiling isn’t as high as people think.
In conclusion, my suggestion is to trade Gordon yesterday. His window is shrinking. Now you may find that his price isn’t very high, but it’s high enough. Trade him away to a team rebuilding and who’ll find his age and “potential” is worth the risk. In return, ask for a proven player, or draft pick, or a future pick…anything! If I had stock in him, I’d fear that his bust label would occur sooner-than-later and I’d lose him and get nothing in return.
Is he a bust? Not yet. That’s why there’s still hope for you to trade him as his window hasn’t closed.
Good luck!
