Melvin Gordon to San Diego Chargers: Full Draft-Pick Breakdown

The San Diego Chargers got their running back in Round 1, but it didn't come cheap.

A trade was initiated between the Chargers and San Francisco 49ers, the first of the night in Chi-Town. The cost to move up two spots with San Francisco: a fourth-round pick this year and a fifth-round pick in 2016—a somewhat pricey expense considering the Bolts had just six picks to start with going in.

The Chargers have now traded away their fourth-round pick three straight years under the direction of GM Tom Telesco, who has consistently shown a willingness to go after players. He went after Manti Te'o in the second round two years ago and Jeremiah Attaochu in the second round last year.

But why the need for a trade? Simple. The Chargers couldn't afford to lose out on both of the top running backs available.

Georgia's Todd Gurley was selected 10th overall, a surprise landing for him coming off of a torn ACL, and that left Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon as the only other running back worthy of first-round consideration. But who spooked the Chargers into moving up? The Houston Texans, according to ESPN reporter Jim Trotter.

Gordon, the Doak Walker Award winner and runner-up for the Heisman Trophy, was selected 15th overall. He is the first running back taken in the first round by San Diego since Ryan Mathews in 2010.

Ironically enough, Gordon will be replacing Mathews as the lead back in San Diego after he left for Philadelphia in free agency. The 6'1", 215-pound Gordon rushed for 2,587 yards in 2014—the second-most in a single season in FBS history. He also achieved the second-most rushing yards in a single game with 408 against Nebraska. Gordon was the second-ranked running back in the draft, according to Bleacher Report NFL draft lead writer Matt Miller.

While Gordon can almost certainly be a three-down back for the Chargers, Trotter, who was at Chargers Park for the draft, doesn't think that will be the plan for him right from the start.

Branden Oliver, an undrafted rookie in 2014, rushed for 582 yards on 160 attempts when injuries struck the backfield, and head coach Mike McCoy feels he may be suited for a workhorse role if need be, which Eric Williams alluded to in an article for ESPN. Danny Woodhead, who missed most of last season with a broken fibula, will be a factor on third down as the team's receiving back. He had over 600 yards receiving with six touchdowns in 2013.

No, Gordon won't be out there on all three downs, but he will have a prominent role on this team next season. As McCoy explained, he will be an impact player on offense, which in turn will take some of the pressure off of quarterback Philip Rivers.

It was a costly move in the end but the right one to ensure Gordon became a Charger. His ability to break the long run and determine the outcome of a game is sorely needed in San Diego. Rivers has long been depended on to carry the team, but Gordon's presence will be something defensive coordinators have to plan for when going up against him. This is a win for Telesco and the Chargers, but the loss of picks does sting.