The 2014 NFL Draft was the first since 2010 that did not feature a Wisconsin Badger walking across the stage in the first round. Melvin Gordon should be able to put the school name back in the spotlight Thursday, like he did all season on the field.
It is easy for Badger fans to see why NFL teams love Gordon. He is a dynamic, explosive runner who is a home-run threat on every play. His field vision is excellent, and he works very well in tight spaces, making quick moves through the hole before bursting into the open field.
Gordon is the perfect fit in a zone-blocking offense in the NFL. Zone blocking, the scheme Wisconsin runs, sets up the running back with one hole to cut through and take off. It is the great initial blocks by the Badger offensive line that get Gordon to the second level, and then he can use his elusiveness to make defenders miss and break off huge runs.
There is a reason he gets compared to Jamaal Charles. Almost every NFL team could use a 22-year-old Jamaal Charles on its roster, and it is very likely that some team adds Gordon to its roster in the first round. The Miami Dolphins, San Diego Chargers, Detroit Lions, Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots have all been projected as landing spots for him in mock drafts.
Gordon is not the only UW player who will be drafted though. Two Badger offensive linemen could potentially hear their names called this weekend. Offensive tackle Rob Havenstein is expected to be picked in the middle rounds of the draft, and guard/center Dallas Lewallen has a chance to sneak in the late rounds.
Havenstein is a 6-foot-8 inch, 333-pound monster of an offensive lineman who may have to move to guard in the NFL because of his lack of speed. He has a strong punch, and can step and seal blocks on the edge in the run game.
Lewallen played both guard and center for the Badgers, and that versatility should only help his chances of being drafted. He was consistent, but didn’t really stand out in any areas. He may end up following a similar path as former UW guard Ryan Groy, who signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent and ended up starting three games for them this past season as a rookie. As Wisconsin offensive linemen, both display excellent technique.
There aren’t a whole lot of Wisconsin players in this draft, but Melvin Gordon will make it worth watching for Badger fans.
