2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Ollie Gordon

Last Updated: 12/24/2024

Career Stats

Summary 

Ollie Gordon took the college football scene by storm as a sophomore, amassing 1,732 rushing yards and 2,062 scrimmage yards — both led the NCAA. So, heading into 2024, the expectation was that Gordon would match or improve on that effort. This was not the case, as Gordon regressed. He only topped 100 rushing yards in four games (half as many times as the prior year) en route to only 880 rushing yards. Despite this down year, I am optimistic that Gordon can become an effective NFL player.

Gordon stands on a tall and slender but powerful frame — standing 6-foot-2 often limits backs in their ability to win at the point of contact, but this is not the case for Gordon. He has the flexibility and balance to be the lowman more times than not at the point of contact. Pairing this with a powerful lower body, he is a load to bring down one on one in the hole, often driving defenders back. We also see this power force miss tackles, but his game is not all power, we see him display quick feet and elusiveness in the hole and open field leaving defenders grabbing for air. One of the most impressive things we see regularly on tape is his ability to hurdle defenders easily — a reminder he is 6-foot-2, 225 pounds.

Behind the line of scrimmage, Gordon shows solid vision and patience but needs to improve in those areas to take that next step. However, once he finds a hole we see a quick and smooth transition from lateral movements to downhill. He also leaves us wanting more in the short-area speed department and is naturally more of a runway runner. Gordon has displayed an ability to quickly alter his path but does look slow regaining his speed, limiting him. When there is green grass in front of him or one player to beat, he has the speed and wiggle to house runs, but if you ask him to stack multiple moves it’s difficult for him.

As a pass catcher, he is not a liability, but he is not the next Alvin Kamara. He can run any route the NFL will ask, but he needs to refine this part of his game to earn consistent targets. We also see him struggle as a pass blocker, but he has the frame and strength to handle it if given the correct coaching. Until this is corrected it will be hard for him to find the field on every down.

Strengths

• Power
• Athleticism 
• Quick feet
• Quick transitions             

Weakness

• Passing game
• Reacceleration
• Vision
• Short area speed

Honors and Awards

• Doak Walker Award Winner (2023)
• Unanimous All-American (2023)
• Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, Coaches & AP (2023)
• Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Winner (2023)
• First Team All-Big 12 – Unanimous, Coaches & AP (2023)

 Athletic Testing

• 40-yard dash: TBD
• Vertical: TBD
• Broad Jump: TBD
• Three-cone: TBD
• Shuttle: TBD
• Bench: TBD

NFL Role Prediction

• Early down committee back 

Scheme Fit

• Interior zone or gap

Fantasy Outlook

We saw that when given a significant workload Ollie Gordon can be a productive workhorse type running back. The only issue with this is that these roles are few, so given his skill set, it seems more likely that he becomes an early-down player. This will limit his fantasy upside unless he is tied to one of the better offenses, allowing him a plethora of red zone touches. For these reasons, the landing spot is critical for Gordon’s outlook.

Player Comparisons

• Joe Mixon
• Najee Harris
• Chuba Hubbard