2015 NFL Rookie Predictions: Melvin Gordon is fantasy goodness

Poked, prodded, pricked -- pro prospects have been thoroughly examined by franchises leading up to this month's NFL Draft. However, fantasy owners are just now dissecting their Year 1 potential. Over the next several weeks, we'll attempt to channel our inner Mayock determining whether Rookie X will be fantasy flame or lame material this fall. Wednesday's profile: Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon. 

College Highlights: Gordon smashed both school and national records during his three full seasons in Madison. He set the FBS record for career rushing average with a ridiculous 7.79 yards per carry. His 4,915 rushing yards ranks No. 3 all-time at Wisconsin and No. 6 on Big Ten career list. His 49 total touchdowns is the ninth-best mark in Big Ten history. The Doak Walker winner was the fastest player in Wisconsin history to reach 1,000 career rushing yards (104 attempts). Finally, he logged 22 career 100-yard games, including 19 of 140-plus yards and seven of 200-plus yards. Simply put, he was a machine. 

Pluses: Gordon is a gazelle in every sense of the word. He's a long-strider who glides effortlessly with the ball in his hand. Possesses terrific acceleration and separating speed (4.52 40-yard) evident in his 40 runs of 15-plus yards last season. His sudden hesitations, spin move and stutter step are downright deadly, leaving defenders hugging air. Very creative, patient runner who's deceptively powerful. Impressive pad level and leg drive in a crowd. He's far from a complete pass catcher, but made considerable strides in that department down the stretch in 2014.

Minuses: Too often tried to hit the home run. Desire to bounce runs outside must be reduced. Closing speed of NFL linebackers, defensive ends and DBs a major step up. Execution on interior runs needs to improve. He registered zero or negative yards on nearly 20 percent of his carries in 2014. Definitely more finesse than power. Average receiver and pass blocker. Will need to show competency in those areas during training camp to secure a three-down workload. Suffered from a nasty case of fumblitis last fall, coughing up the rock six times in his final five games. Imperative he protects the ball in the open-field. If not, and he could receive a quick hook from an impatient coaching staff.

Pro Comp(s): Jamaal Charles, Arian Foster

Team Fits: Atlanta, Arizona, Carolina, Dallas, San Diego

Projected ADP/Auction Value ($200 cap): 55-65 (RB19)/$20-$25

Fearless Forecast: Unlike Michael Bennett, Ron Dayne, Brian Calhoun and Montee Ball before him, Gordon is a flashy, dynamic rusher who is sure to overcome Wisconsin's RB-bust reputation. He certainly isn't without flaws and will need to show improvement in certain areas to net 18-22 touches per game, but his game-breaking wheels and open-field elusiveness will likely gift him ample opportunities. Come midseason, he'll be a borderline RB1 no matter the landing spot, provided his fumble problems are in the past. Todd Gurley may have the more productive career, but given the Georgia product's possible physical limitations, Gordon is the safer 2015 pick. If he earns a substantial workload, a final line around 1300 combined yards with 6-8 TDs is entirely reachable. Invest with confidence.

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