The Denver Broncos are in the midst of a pivotal offseason as they look to revamp their roster and build a competitive team for the upcoming NFL season. One of the areas they are focusing on is the running back position, and reports indicate that they had a formal meeting with Oklahoma State standout Ollie Gordon during the NFL Combine. Gordon, projected as a mid-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has been garnering attention for his impressive college production and physical attributes.
Who is Ollie Gordon?
Ollie Gordon is a rising prospect out of Oklahoma State, where he quickly made a name for himself as a dynamic and powerful running back. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing around 215 pounds, Gordon possesses the ideal build for an NFL running back. He combines a rare blend of size, speed, and vision that makes him a formidable force out of the backfield. In the 2023 season, Gordon rushed for over 1,500 yards and scored double-digit touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the top running backs in college football. His ability to break tackles, find running lanes, and contribute in the passing game has piqued the interest of several NFL teams, including the Denver Broncos.
Why the Broncos Are Interested
The Broncos have a need at the running back position, especially with uncertainties surrounding their current backfield. While they have some talent, injuries and inconsistent performances have hampered their rushing attack. With a new coaching staff looking to implement a balanced offense, acquiring a reliable running back is a priority.
Gordon’s skill set aligns well with the Broncos’ offensive scheme. His ability to run between the tackles, coupled with his agility in space, makes him an excellent fit for a zone-blocking system. Moreover, his pass-catching ability adds an extra dimension to his game, making him a valuable asset in both early and late-down situations.
Strengths of Ollie Gordon
- Power Running Ability: Gordon is known for his physical running style, consistently breaking tackles and pushing for extra yards. His ability to run through defenders makes him a great option for short-yardage situations.
- Vision and Patience: One of his best traits is his vision to find open lanes and his patience in allowing plays to develop. This quality makes him an excellent fit for a system that requires decisiveness and quick reactions.
- Pass Protection: Unlike many college running backs, Gordon has shown the willingness and ability to block effectively in pass protection. This skill will be crucial in his transition to the NFL.
- Receiving Skills: Gordon has demonstrated reliable hands and route-running abilities, making him a dual-threat running back.
- Durability: He has proven to be durable throughout his college career, handling a high workload without significant injuries.
Potential Fit with the Broncos’ Offense
The Broncos’ offensive identity under head coach Sean Payton is expected to feature a mix of power running and spread concepts. Gordon’s ability to contribute as a three-down back makes him a great candidate to complement their existing backfield. The team has struggled with consistency at the position, and adding a young, versatile player like Gordon could provide stability.
Additionally, Denver’s offensive line has been improving, and a player of Gordon’s caliber could take full advantage of the running lanes they create. If paired with a veteran running back, he could be eased into a starting role while still making an impact in rotational snaps.
Draft Projection and Competition
Gordon is projected to be selected in the third or fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. While some analysts believe he could rise higher with a strong showing in pre-draft workouts, his current stock places him firmly in the middle rounds. Several teams in need of a running back could target him, including franchises like the Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, and Arizona Cardinals.
The Broncos may face competition in acquiring Gordon, as other teams recognize his potential value. However, if he falls to them in the right round, he could be an excellent addition to their roster. Denver could also trade up slightly if they see him as a must-have prospect.
How He Compares to Other Running Backs in the Draft
The 2024 running back class features several talented prospects, including names like Blake Corum (Michigan), TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State), and Braelon Allen (Wisconsin). While Gordon may not have the same level of national hype as some of these backs, his all-around skill set makes him a compelling option.
Compared to Corum, Gordon has a more physical running style and better size, but Corum might have the edge in top-end speed. Against Henderson, Gordon brings more power and consistency, though Henderson’s explosiveness is hard to ignore. In comparison to Allen, Gordon offers a more balanced game with better receiving skills.
Final Thoughts on the Broncos’ Interest in Ollie Gordon
Denver’s meeting with Gordon at the NFL Combine signals that they are seriously considering him as an option in the upcoming draft. Given the team’s need for a reliable running back, he could be an ideal mid-round selection. His combination of power, vision, and versatility fits well with what the Broncos are building offensively. If he is available when Denver is on the clock, don’t be surprised if they make the call to bring him to the Mile High City.
