Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon II had a record-breaking 2023 season but has come down to earth in 2024. We take a look at his 2024 season stats, scouting report, and more.
Where Did Ollie Gordon Land in Our Most Recent NFL Mock Draft?
In the latest mock draft from Pro Football Network NFL Draft Analyst Ian Cummings, Gordon was the fifth running back off the board, going at the end of the second round (62nd overall) to the Buffalo Bills.
Cummings had this to say about Gordon’s mock draft fit:
“Behind the Bills’ offensive line, and with Allen at his size, Ollie Gordon II would no doubt feast with his cutting flexibility, long-strider burst, and tenacious, grating edge.”
Gordon’s Best Landing Spots in the NFL
Gordon could represent a strong post-hype option for teams on Day 2. Here are some of the teams that could conceivably land him with one of their second- or third-round picks:
Kansas City Chiefs
Yes, we’ve been down this early-round rabbit hole with the Kansas City Chiefs before. But Gordon would come at a less prohibitive cost than first-rounder Clyde Edwards-Helaire. In addition, Kansas City may have a very early Round 3 pick from the Tennessee Titans from the L’Jarius Sneed trade.
Kareem Hunt, Samaje Perine, and Edwards-Helaire are all playing on one-year deals, and none are really viable long-term options in the backfield. As such, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Kansas City invest in a longer-term running back solution, and Gordon would benefit from playing behind an elite interior offensive line that has had the same trio (Joe Thuney, Creed Humphrey, and Trey Smith) locked in since 2021.
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears have an extra second-round pick from the Carolina Panthers, the last remnant of the lopsided Bryce Young trade. Chicago would be unlikely to use Carolina’s second-rounder on Gordon, given that that will be fairly early on Day 2. But if the Bears end up contending for a playoff spot and pick in the latter half of the second round, one of those picks could be used on Gordon.
Chicago does have D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson under contract for next season, so this would be a bit of a luxury pick. However, given how many resources they invested at wide receiver and tight end, it wouldn’t be surprising to see GM Ryan Poles continue emphasizing Caleb Williams’ supporting cast.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys will be a popular first-round projection for running backs. But despite Jerry Jones’ love for shiny objects, more prudent use of that first-rounder would entail using it to help the defensive rebuild or add another pass-catcher to support CeeDee Lamb.
In that case, the second round could be a more tenable spot for the Cowboys to pick their new starting running back. Both Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott are scheduled to hit free agency this offseason; Dallas could enter 2025 with a totally revamped backfield.
Gordon’s Scouting Report
Here’s a peek at Gordon’s scouting report from Cummings:
“As both a mover and a processor, Gordon is extremely adaptable, with high-level fluidity, creative instincts, spatial IQ, and vision. He can work efficiently behind the line but also has the improvisational ability to evade early contact threats, create for himself, and carve out paths upfield.
“Going further, Gordon is a capable volume runner with great energy and stamina and some phase versatility. As a receiver, he can line up in different spots, make himself available, and provide value as a RAC threat. As a blocker, he’s alert and more than willing, and his tools serve him well.
“Early in his NFL career, Gordon can be a three-down volume back with two-phase utility. He can run gap or zone schemes, create in congested boxes, glide through open space, and finish with physicality. Ultimately, Gordon has the full pallet of tools to be an offensive engine on the ground and a versatile, dynamic impact starter.”
Ollie Gordon II’s 2024 Season Stats and Game Breakdowns
In 2023, Gordon was the Doak Walker Award winner, which goes to the top running back in the nation, and was a consensus All-American. Despite recording just 19 rush attempts in the first three games of the season combined, Gordon went on to lead the FBS in rush yards (1,732) and scrimmage yards (2,062) while finishing second in both rush touchdowns (21) and scrimmage touchdowns (22).
No matter what, that historic level of production would have been tough to replicate. But Gordon has regressed much further than expected, creating questions about his NFL Draft stock. An injury scare against West Virginia raised questions about whether Gordon should start preserving himself and considering his NFL future.
Kirk Morrison after Oklahoma State RB Ollie Gordon was hurt in Saturday's game.
"If I'm Ollie Gordon, I probably played my last play at Oklahoma State…Ollie may have to start thinking about himself as this game, or this season, continues. Not really much to play for." pic.twitter.com/KFVBdnRieA
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 5, 2024
Rush Yards: 491
Rush Touchdowns: 6
Yards Per Rush: 4.2
Receptions: 18
Receiving Yards: 108
Receiving Touchdowns: 1
When Is Gordon Playing Next?
Gordon and the Oklahoma State Cowboys’ next game is at Baylor on Saturday, at 3:30 p.m. You can watch this game on ESPN+.
Gordon and Co. will be trying to improve to 4-4 on the season.