Nov 15, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Melvin Gordon (25) rushes with the football as Nebraska Cornhuskers safety Corey Cooper (6) defends during the second quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
ESPN – Mel Kiper Jr.
Our first analyst to peg Gordon a first round draft pick is ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., who has Gordon going to the Arizona Cardinals at pick No. 24 overall in his Mock Draft 3.0 (subscription required).
"“A healthy Andre Ellington gives Arizona some explosiveness out of the backfield, but he’s not a player you want to rely on for too many touches, and a good running game will go a long way in Arizona. Gordon has the explosiveness that you need from an RB taken this high — he’s a true game-breaker — but he’s also proved durable. Linebacker is another big need for Arizona, but that’s one the team can hit further down the board. If Gordon seems like a luxury pick, the Cardinals could certainly argue he’s an immediate-impact player for a team that wants to win.”"
I love the thought of Gordon going to Arizona. It’s a similar situation, as I’ve written before, for Gordon in Arizona to what he went through in Wisconsin – a great defense, poor passing game, and solid offensive line.
Plus, as Kiper suggests, pairing Gordon with a healthy Andre Ellington would ease the load on both players. Ellington, I think, is better as a complimentary back, and Gordon could be the thunder to his lightning.
Next: CBS Sports mockers