Melvin Gordon has the Chance to Prove He’s the Best Running Back in the Draft

Melvin Gordon has the Chance to Prove He’s the Best Running Back in the Draft by Jim Oxley

The Wisconsin Badgers will have two players representing the university at this year’s NFL scouting combine: running back Melvin Gordon and offensive lineman Rob Havenstein.

The duo worked magic on the field last season for the Badgers, Gordon running behind Havenstein and the vaunted Wisconsin offensive line, totaling an incredible 2,587 yards and 29 touchdowns on the ground.

Both Gordon and Havenstein will have the chance to show off their raw talents at the NFL combine, the yearly opportunity for top college prospects to show their fares for NFL scouts.

This year’s combine will again be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, the home of the Indianapolis Colts. The combine runs from Feb. 17-23, with on-field workouts beginning Friday, Feb. 20.

Here’s a breakdown for each Wisconsin player taking part in the combine, and a schedule of their daily activities throughout the week.

Melvin Gordon, running back

Measurements:

Jan 1, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Melvin Gordon (25) runs the ball against the Auburn Tigers during the first half in the 2015 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

6-1, 213 pounds

6.25/10 (Should become instant starter)

What they have to say: (Courtesy NFL.com)

“Angular, talented open-field runner who combines outstanding burst with a long stride to gain separation and hit the home run. He won’t be able to outrun NFL defenders like he did in college and must develop more feel between the tackles. Gordon shines when his track runs over tackle or around the end and can put a defense to sleep around the corner. Not trustworthy enough to be a three-down back, but his pass-catching improved enough to utilize him out of backfield as a receiver.”

Combine schedule:

• Wednesday, Feb. 18: Travel to Indianapolis, registration, hospital pre-exam and X-rays, orientation, interviews

• Thursday, Feb. 19: Measurements, medical examinations, media, interviews

• Friday, Feb. 20: NFLPA meeting, psychological testing, PK/ST workout, bench press, interviews

• Saturday, Feb. 21: On-field workout (timing, stations, skill drills), departure from Indianapolis

What we think:

Gordon has the chance to really capitalize at the combine. With Todd Gurley still recovering from an injury, Gordon will be the most heralded running back at the combine. A strong performance, coupled with Gurley’s injury, could help Gordon secure a spot as the top running back taken in the 2015 NFL Draft, and hopefully the first running back selected in the first round of the draft since Trent Richardson in 2012.

Rob Havenstein, offensive tackle

Measurements:

Nov 29, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Rob Havenstein (78) carries the Paul Bunyan Axe following during the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 34-24. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

6-8, 333 pounds

5.77/10 (Chance to become NFL starter)

What they have to say: (Courtesy NFL.com)

“Three-year starter who doesn’t look the part in his uniform, but teams should worry more about how the dish tastes rather than how it is plated. With surprising feet to pair with good length and balance, Havenstein has the tools to be a starting right tackle in the league. He will be adequate when asked to zone block, but he can fire out and use his hips to leverage defenders out of run lanes.”

Combine schedule:

• Tuesday, Feb. 17: Travel to Indianapolis, registration, hospital pre-exam and X-rays, orientation, interviews

• Wednesday, Feb. 18: Measurements, medical examinations, media, interviews

• Thursday, Feb. 19: NFLPA meeting, psychological testing, PK/ST workout, bench press, interviews

• Friday, Feb. 20: On-field workout (timing, stations, skill drills), departure from Indianapolis

What we think:

Havenstein made some waves at the Senior Bowl this year and certainly has the size of an NFL offensive lineman. He’s hoping to use the combine to prove he’s got more on his side than just size, however, as he’s quicker than most 330-pounders. The Badgers have been an NFL offensive lineman factory lately, and Havenstein looks to be the next in a long line of Badgers alumni in the NFL.

Stay tuned to Badger of Honor throughout the week for updates from the 2015 NFL scouting combine.