2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Ollie Gordon II

Prospect Summary:

Gordon did not make much of an impact in 2022, taking 62 carries for 308 yards (5.0 average) and two touchdowns. He had 12 catches for 76 yards and two scores that season. Thus, he was not expected to be one of the best backs in college football a year later. However, Gordon was phenomenal for the Cowboys, averaging 6.1 yards per carry while running for 1,732 yards with 21 touchdowns. Gordon was also dangerous as a receiver, hauling in 39 passes for 330 yards and a touchdown. In 2024, Gordon averaged 4.6 yards per carry for 880 yards with 13 touchdowns. He had 29 catches for 179 yards. Gordon played at less than 100 percent, which reduced his carries.

While the running back position has been downgraded in terms of the number of first-round picks used on prospects and dollars spent on veterans, it still greatly impacts winning versus losing in the NFL. Good starting running backs make a huge impact on an offense’s potency, and Gordon has starting potential for the NFL.

Gordon has a good skill set for the next level, as he is a big running back with straight-line speed. There is natural ability for Gordon to be an effective runner as he has very good vision and is a patient runner. While Gordon is big, he is not overly physical and will just plow over would-be tacklers with dominant violence. Gordon uses his size to pick up yards after contact, and he has good contact balance to maintain his feet after contact. Gordon has quality speed to accelerate to the hole before it closes, and he can really open it up in the open field to break off long runs. While Gordon does not have game-breaking speed like Jahmyr Gibbs, Gordon runs well for a big back.

Many big backs struggle in the passing game, but that is not the case with Gordon. In space, Gordon is natural getting to his spot and shows nice hands to make receptions. Gordon can function as a check-down outlet and run choice routes to help his quarterback.

Gordon has things to work on as he enters what will probably be his final season of college football. At times, Gordon runs upright, and he can stand to improve his knee bend. That will make him harder to tackle and get more out of his powerful frame. Gordon takes some build-up time to hit top speed, so working to improve his burst would help him as well.

In the 2025 NFL Draft, Gordon looks like a mid-rounder who could be a day-two pick if he does well in the pre-draft process. Gordon could be a mid-rounder that ends up growing into a starting role.