Melvin Gordon has been getting a ton of attention heading into the NFL draft and the running back could be a potential target for the Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens, Seattle Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns all could be potential targets for him along with Jay Ajayi, Ameer Abdullah and Duke Johnson.
Gordon is coming out of college as one of the most productive backs in history and that could make him a prime target for teams. Running backs have not been in the first round over the past couple years, but this year Gordon and Todd Gurley are expected to be taken early. Gurley is listed by most scouts as the top back in the draft, but after coming off of an ACL injury, some may look at Gordon as the better option.
According to Pro Football Talk, Gordon already has a number of suitors, as the Dallas Cowboys have had him in for a visit and he also has a workout with the Miami Dolphins. Adam Schefter at ESPN writes that Gordon has already worked out for the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals, while the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Baltimore Ravens have hosted him for pre-draft visits.
The Baltimore Sun reported last week that if Gordon is on the board when the Ravens pick in the first round, he will not get past them. The Ravens signed Justin Forsett back in free agency, but the team may want some more depth after the way the Ray Rice situation played out last season. The Cardinals are desperate for some help at RB, as the team was one of the worst rushing teams in the league last season and dealt with nagging injuries to Andre Ellington.
The Cowboys and Browns both have needs at running back, with Dallas letting DeMarco Murray go in free agency. The team signed Darren McFadden and Todd Archer at ESPN writes that the team will be targeting running backs in the draft. Pro Football Talk reports that Gordon said he would like to "run behind that line", referring to the Dallas Cowboys offensive line, which was one of the best in football last year.
The Cowboys have not been shy about meeting with running backs, as PFT reports that Gordon, Todd Gurley as well as Boise State's Jay Ajayi, TJ Yeldon and Tevin Coleman have all visited with the team. Gordon said that he met with the coaching staff and also met with Jerry Jones when he visited with the team. Gordon previously played with former Wisconsin center Travis Frederick, who was a first round pick for the Cowboys.
Gordon has put up some amazing stats in college, including 4915 total rushing yards in four seasons of work and 45 touchdowns. Last season Gordon was great, averaging over seven yards per carry and scoring 29 touchdowns while rushing for 2587 yards. In his junior season, Gordon rushed for 1609 yards and 12 touchdowns and in his career he has had over 5000 yards from scrimmage.
Ajayi is emerging as a sleeper for teams, as he is versatile and put up 2358 total yards last season. Ajayi had 50 catches last year to go along with 1823 yards and he rushed for 50 touchdowns in his career with the Broncos.