Welcome Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin

[Bolt-O]

[UtahBolt]

I don't get the whole "don't draft a rb too early" philosophy. If you feel the kid is going to come in and make a difference on offense while handling the ball 25-30 times a game, move the chains, score TDs and protect your QB, than why the hell would you pass on him because #15, or #17 or even # 5 is considered too high? It's ridiculous. I understand the principles of market value but if you truly think this guy is the missing piece to putting up more points along side your franchise QB (who's window is closing), then you grab him regardless of the perceived value of his position group.

RB value may have diminished somewhat over the last 10 years, but they are still very important to success. You don't think Jamal Charles, Marshawn Lynch, DeMarco Murray, AP, LaVeon Bell, LeSean McCoy, Matt Forte are currently worth more than a 1st round pick to their respective teams? Of course they are and the Chargers and many of us fans think that Gordon will be mentioned in that group in the next year or two.

[Bolt-O]

Walter Football grade:

San Diego Chargers: Melvin Gordon, RB, Chargers: B- Grade

Chris Berman is gushing about this pick. I'm not as crazy about it. I don't know why the Chargers leapt the Texans and gave up a fourth-rounder in the process because the Texans were not going to take Gordon. Still, this is a somewhat decent choice, as Gordon will provide a big boost out of the backfield. The Chargers had no consistent running game with Ryan Mathews gone, so this definitely makes sense, as Philip Rivers needs all the help he can get as he enters the final years of his career.
Read more at http://www.walterfootball.com/nfldra...WJSFtMTjj46.99

[UtahBolt]

I'm usually of the mindset as well that serviceable RBs can be found in later rounds. And I don't like the fumble stats this kid brings. But what ultimately sways me is the mind-boggling per carry stat. In major college football, he AVERAGED 7.8 yards per carry! I don't care how good his line supposedly was (not even sure how good it was), that stat just jumps off the page. Obviously he won't repeat that in the pros, but I'll bet he averages more than 5 YPC assuming the line is worth a shit.

Don't forget VB, those numbers were put up with the defense game planning and selling out to stop him. Wisconsin had no other weapons and he still produced like that. If he can put up at least 1200 yards and 7-10 tds in our offense, I think this team's headed towards a playoff run.

[UtahBolt]

Walter Football grade:

San Diego Chargers: Melvin Gordon, RB, Chargers: B- Grade

Chris Berman is gushing about this pick. I'm not as crazy about it. I don't know why the Chargers leapt the Texans and gave up a fourth-rounder in the process because the Texans were not going to take Gordon. Still, this is a somewhat decent choice, as Gordon will provide a big boost out of the backfield. The Chargers had no consistent running game with Ryan Mathews gone, so this definitely makes sense, as Philip Rivers needs all the help he can get as he enters the final years of his career.
Read more at http://www.walterfootball.com/nfldra...WJSFtMTjj46.99

I bet the Chargers got word that the Texans were looking to trade down with a team in need of a RB (Dallas, Denver?). Something obviously prompted them to move quickly and get their guy.

[Den60]

did you just make all that up? TT said he was the best pass protecting RB in the draft and hands are better than advertised and they clocked his speed faster than the combine. A durable RB who makes people miss and can take it to the house every time he touches it sounds more like LT than RM24 to me. People also said LT couldn't catch coming out of college, but the truth was he just wasn't used for that. I disagree with your basic premise you build the whole team up 1st, then add a quality RB like some cherry on top of the ice cream Sunday. LT was the 1 guy on offense that held it all together and kept us competitive in most games despite rotating QBs, shitty OLs, lack of pass catchers (until Gates) and lack of any true #1 WR. If this guy is similar it helps the QB, OL and entire offense while they continue fortifying areas like OL & WR. Hopefully they don't waste Gordon's best years and Rivers's career neglecting the lines from here on out like they did to LT and Brees.

No, didn't make it up. Yes, LT wasn't asked to catch the ball out of college but Butler said that he took a lot of pitches so they were not concerned about his hands. If this is another LT then he is an absolute steal at 15, even with the trade up.

As for TT's comments it isn't unusual for a GM to make statements about how good their guy is, especially after trading up. The question is why would he make such a strong statement about his pass blocking if it wasn't considered an issue prior to the draft?

As for the drafting of RBs in the first I can say that there are many out there that feel the same as I do. Likely not many on this board and most definitively not today after the Chargers just drafted one in the first.

[UtahBolt]

In case you can't tell...I love the pick!

Fleet sold me on Gordon months ago and I am a believer! The jump and the price we paid don't bother me at all...IMO we gave up a probable backup/special teamer (fourth round pick) to land a guy that could be responsible for 25%-30% of our offense.

Great job TT!! Love it...

[Bolt-O]

I bet the Chargers got word that the Texans were looking to trade down with a team in need of a RB (Dallas, Denver?). Something obviously prompted them to move quickly and get their guy.

Gordon was the last of the 7 on the Chargers 'Impact player' list. Houston could have dropped a few spots and still get the player they wanted, and that's the threat that TT quashed.

[Den60]

I'm usually of the mindset as well that serviceable RBs can be found in later rounds. And I don't like the fumble stats this kid brings. But what ultimately sways me is the mind-boggling per carry stat. In major college football, he AVERAGED 7.8 yards per carry! I don't care how good his line supposedly was (not even sure how good it was), that stat just jumps off the page. Obviously he won't repeat that in the pros, but I'll bet he averages more than 5 YPC assuming the line is worth a shit.

You might want to keep quiet about the fumbles, you will get accused of picking cherries.

[Viejo Bolt]

You might want to keep quiet about the fumbles, you will get accused of picking cherries.

Pointing out an undeniable stat that available for anyone to see is a far cry from cherry picking. However, choosing a couple of opinions from a sea of player evaluation opinions from scribes who may or may not know what they are talking about, IS cherry picking. I'll go with the Charger scouting department evaluation over these draft "gurus".

[Boltx]

Be curious who we take in the 2md.

Have to wonder how Dupree + 2nd round RB would have worked out.

Visit this in 3 years I guess. Problem is that as much as I like Gordon...he truly does have to put up LT type numbers to justify the selection. If all you want is a 1100 yard guy with 5-6 TDs then that could have been found on day 2-3 IMO.

At least that's the expectation I have of a first round RB - dominating not just serviceable.

Regardless, we should all wait until TT's entire draft us finalized.

[Millionaire Wussy]

Really hoping for a trade down to secure an additional pick this year - with our next pick.