Ollie Gordon II: From Oklahoma State Star to NFL Draft Steal?
Ollie Gordon II: The Rise of an Oklahoma State Star
Ollie Gordon II emerged as a dominant force in college football during his time at Oklahoma State University. His remarkable blend of size, speed, and vision captivated fans and scouts alike. But what makes him a potential steal in the NFL Draft? This article delves into Gordon's journey, dissecting his strengths and weaknesses, analyzing his performance metrics, and exploring the factors that could contribute to him exceeding expectations in the pros.
Early Career and Development
Gordon's path to stardom wasn't instant. While showing flashes of brilliance early on, he truly exploded onto the scene in his sophomore season. This patience and persistence highlight a key aspect of his character: a relentless work ethic and dedication to improvement.
He wasn't heavily recruited out of high school, adding fuel to his fire. He committed to Oklahoma State and diligently worked behind established players, learning the nuances of the college game and refining his skills. This period of development proved crucial in shaping the player he is today.
Analyzing Ollie Gordon's Strengths
Gordon possesses a rare combination of traits that make him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams.
- Exceptional Vision: Gordon demonstrates an uncanny ability to anticipate running lanes and make quick decisions in real-time. He doesn't just see the hole; he understands how it's developing and adjusts his path accordingly.
- Power and Contact Balance: He's not just a speedster; Gordon has the size and strength to break tackles and churn out yards after contact. His low center of gravity and powerful legs make him difficult to bring down.
- Decisive Running Style: Gordon runs with purpose. He hits the hole with conviction and doesn't waste time dancing around. This decisiveness allows him to maximize gains and avoid unnecessary negative plays.
- Impressive Burst: While not a burner in the traditional sense, Gordon possesses excellent short-area burst. He can accelerate quickly through tight spaces and exploit gaps in the defense.
- Pass-Catching Potential: While not his primary role at Oklahoma State, Gordon has demonstrated the ability to catch passes out of the backfield. This versatility adds another dimension to his game and makes him a more valuable asset to NFL teams.
Vision and Decision-Making
One of Gordon's most outstanding attributes is his vision. He possesses an innate understanding of blocking schemes and defensive alignments, allowing him to anticipate where running lanes will open up. This isn't just about seeing; it's about processing information quickly and making sound decisions under pressure.
He exhibits patience behind the line of scrimmage, allowing blocks to develop before committing to a particular path. This patience is crucial, as it prevents him from running into clogged lanes and allows him to exploit opportunities that might otherwise be missed.
Furthermore, Gordon demonstrates excellent spatial awareness. He understands where defenders are positioned and how they're likely to react, allowing him to navigate through traffic effectively and maximize yardage.
Power and Contact Balance in Action
Gordon is not easily brought down. His lower body strength and balance allow him to absorb contact and stay on his feet, consistently gaining valuable yards after the initial hit. He uses his size effectively, lowering his shoulder and driving through defenders.
He doesn't shy away from contact; instead, he embraces it. He understands that running through arm tackles is often the difference between a short gain and a significant run. This willingness to engage physically makes him a formidable opponent for opposing defenses.
Examples from his game film showcase numerous instances where Gordon breaks multiple tackles on a single play, turning seemingly negative situations into positive gains. His ability to stay upright and fight for extra yardage is a testament to his strength, balance, and determination.
Decisive Running Style: No Wasted Motion
Gordon's running style is characterized by efficiency and directness. He doesn't waste time with excessive jukes or stutter steps; instead, he hits the hole with conviction and accelerates towards the end zone. This decisiveness is crucial for maximizing yardage and avoiding unnecessary risks.
He trusts his instincts and commits to his chosen path, allowing his blockers to do their job and create running lanes. This trust is essential for establishing a rhythm and building momentum throughout the game.
Furthermore, Gordon's decisiveness allows him to make quick adjustments based on the evolving situation. He can recognize when a running lane is closing and quickly redirect to a different path, maximizing his chances of a positive gain.
Pass-Catching Abilities: A Hidden Weapon
While his primary role at Oklahoma State was as a rusher, Gordon demonstrated the ability to catch passes out of the backfield. This versatility adds another dimension to his game and makes him a more valuable asset to NFL teams.
He possesses soft hands and the ability to track the ball in the air, allowing him to make catches in traffic and secure contested passes. He also demonstrates the ability to run routes effectively, creating separation from defenders and providing a reliable target for the quarterback.
While he may not be a polished receiver, Gordon's potential in the passing game is undeniable. With proper coaching and development, he could become a significant threat as a receiver out of the backfield, adding another weapon to his team's offensive arsenal.
Addressing Ollie Gordon's Weaknesses
No player is perfect, and Gordon is no exception. While he possesses many strengths, there are also areas where he could improve his game.
- Top-End Speed: Gordon's top-end speed is not elite. While he possesses adequate speed for the NFL, he may not be able to consistently outrun defensive backs in the open field.
- Pass Protection: His pass-blocking skills need refinement. He sometimes struggles to identify blitzing linebackers and provide adequate protection for the quarterback.
- Limited Route Tree: His route-running experience is limited. He primarily ran simple routes out of the backfield at Oklahoma State, and he will need to expand his repertoire at the NFL level.
- Durability Concerns: Given his heavy workload in college, some scouts have raised concerns about his long-term durability. The pounding he took as the primary ball carrier could potentially lead to injuries down the line.
The Speed Factor
While Gordon possesses adequate speed, he is not considered a burner. This means he may not be able to consistently outrun defensive backs in the open field, limiting his potential for long touchdown runs. However, his vision, power, and decisiveness often compensate for his lack of elite speed.
He relies more on his ability to navigate through traffic and break tackles than on his raw speed. This makes him a more effective runner in short-yardage situations and in the red zone, where quickness and power are more valuable than outright speed.
Furthermore, Gordon's burst allows him to accelerate quickly through tight spaces, negating the need for elite top-end speed. He can exploit small gaps in the defense and gain valuable yardage before defenders have a chance to react.
Pass Protection: A Work in Progress
One area where Gordon needs to improve is his pass protection. He sometimes struggles to identify blitzing linebackers and provide adequate protection for the quarterback. This is a crucial aspect of the running back position in the NFL, as teams rely on their backs to help keep the quarterback upright.
He needs to develop a better understanding of defensive schemes and learn to anticipate blitzes before they happen. He also needs to improve his technique, using proper hand placement and footwork to effectively block pass rushers.
While pass protection is currently a weakness, it is also an area where Gordon can make significant improvements with coaching and practice. With dedicated effort, he can become a reliable pass blocker and a valuable asset to his team's passing game.
Expanding the Route Tree
Gordon's route-running experience is limited, as he primarily ran simple routes out of the backfield at Oklahoma State. To become a more versatile player in the NFL, he will need to expand his repertoire and learn to run a wider variety of routes.
He needs to develop the ability to run more complex routes, such as option routes, wheel routes, and seam routes. He also needs to improve his route-running technique, creating separation from defenders and providing a reliable target for the quarterback.
While it may take time and effort, Gordon has the potential to become a proficient route runner and a valuable weapon in the passing game. With dedicated coaching and practice, he can develop the skills necessary to excel in this area.
Durability: A Legitimate Concern?
Given his heavy workload in college, some scouts have raised concerns about Gordon's long-term durability. The pounding he took as the primary ball carrier could potentially lead to injuries down the line. This is a legitimate concern, as running backs are often subject to significant wear and tear throughout their careers.
However, it's important to note that not all heavy workloads lead to injuries. Some players are simply more durable than others, and Gordon has shown a remarkable ability to withstand punishment throughout his college career.
Furthermore, NFL teams have become increasingly aware of the importance of managing running back workloads to preserve their long-term health. It is likely that any team that drafts Gordon will implement a plan to monitor his workload and prevent him from being overused.
Ollie Gordon's NFL Draft Potential: Where Will He Land?
Predicting where a player will be drafted is never an exact science, but several factors will influence Gordon's draft stock.
- Team Needs: The most significant factor is the needs of individual teams. Teams looking for a power back with the potential to contribute in the passing game will likely view Gordon as a valuable asset.
- Draft Class Strength: The strength of the running back class in any given year also plays a role. If the class is considered weak, Gordon's stock could rise. If it's a deep class, he may fall further in the draft.
- Combine and Pro Day Performance: Gordon's performance at the NFL Combine and his pro day will be crucial. Strong showings in drills and interviews can significantly boost his draft stock.
- Medical Evaluations: Teams will closely scrutinize his medical history to assess any potential injury risks. A clean bill of health will alleviate concerns about his durability.
Possible Landing Spots
Based on team needs and projected draft positions, several teams could be potential landing spots for Gordon. These teams are either looking to add a starting running back or to bolster their existing running back depth. It's important to consider team schemes as well – teams that utilize a power-running scheme may view Gordon as a more valuable asset than those that rely on a more finesse-oriented approach.
Several NFL analysts have speculated about possible fits for Gordon, considering factors like offensive system, coaching staff preferences, and overall team strategy. The draft is inherently unpredictable, but these educated guesses offer valuable insights into where Gordon might ultimately end up.
Why Ollie Gordon Could Be an NFL Draft Steal
The term "draft steal" is often overused, but in Gordon's case, it may be justified. Here's why:
- Underrated Potential: Some scouts may underrate his potential due to his lack of elite speed or his limited pass-catching experience. However, his strengths – vision, power, decisiveness – are highly valuable in the NFL.
- Work Ethic and Coachability: Gordon has a proven track record of hard work and improvement. He's likely to be receptive to coaching and willing to put in the effort to develop his weaknesses.
- Impact Beyond Stats: His impact extends beyond the stat sheet. He's a leader on and off the field, and his presence can elevate the play of his teammates.
The X-Factor: Intangibles
Beyond the measurables and the on-field performance, Gordon possesses certain intangible qualities that make him an even more appealing prospect. These intangibles – leadership, work ethic, character – are often difficult to quantify but can have a significant impact on a player's success in the NFL.
He's known for his positive attitude and his willingness to do whatever it takes to help his team win. He's a respected leader in the locker room and a role model for younger players. These qualities make him a valuable asset to any organization, regardless of his on-field performance.
Exceeding Expectations: The Path to Success
To exceed expectations in the NFL, Gordon will need to continue to work hard, develop his weaknesses, and embrace the challenges that come with playing at the highest level. He'll also need to find the right fit with a team that values his strengths and provides him with the opportunity to succeed.
With the right coaching and support, Gordon has the potential to become a Pro Bowl-caliber running back and a valuable contributor to his team's success. His combination of talent, work ethic, and character makes him a player to watch in the years to come.
Conclusion: Betting on Ollie Gordon
Ollie Gordon II is a compelling NFL Draft prospect with a unique blend of strengths and areas for improvement. While he may not be a slam-dunk first-round pick, his potential to develop into a valuable contributor makes him an intriguing option for teams seeking a talented and versatile running back. His vision, power, and decisiveness are highly coveted traits in the NFL, and his willingness to work hard and improve his weaknesses make him a player with a high ceiling.
Whether he ultimately becomes a star or a solid role player remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Ollie Gordon II has the potential to be a steal in the NFL Draft. Teams that are willing to bet on his talent, work ethic, and character may be rewarded with a player who exceeds expectations and becomes a valuable asset for years to come.
Where to Follow Ollie Gordon II's Journey
Keep up with Ollie Gordon II's journey through the NFL Draft process and beyond by following these resources:
- NFL Draft News Outlets: ESPN, NFL Network, CBS Sports
- Oklahoma State Athletics: Official team website for updates.
- Social Media: Follow relevant sports analysts and insiders on platforms like X (formerly Twitter).