Baltimore Ravens Draft Countdown: Making the Case for Melvin Gordon

One of the best moves the Baltimore Ravens made this offseason was re-signing running back Justin Forsett. 

A career journeyman, Forsett rose to stardom in Baltimore last year after Ray Rice was cut and Bernard Pierce failed to claim the starting job. Forsett went on to rush for 1,266 yards and eight scores while catching 44 passes for 263 yards. 

Baltimore eventually re-signed him this offseason to a three-year deal that should ensure he's the No. 1 RB for at least one more season. However, the Ravens waived Pierce this offseason after a DUI arrest, which leaves them with Forsett as the only proven RB. 

Lorenzo Taliaferro looked good at times as a rookie last year. However, his penchant for fumbles led to him having a total of eight touches over the final eight games, including two playoff games.

It didn't appear the Ravens were high on Taliaferro by season's end, and they may want another RB to back up Forsett. They also may want a RB who could take over the starting spot soon, with Forsett turning 30 in October. 

Thirty is a scary number for any NFL player, but it's especially feared by NFL RBs. ESPN did a study last year that showed just how much RB performance drops off after the age of 30. 

Based on the study, NFL RBs at age 30 rush for an average of less than 629 yards in a season. If Forsett comes close to that level of drop-off this year or in 2016, the Ravens will need to have another running back who is ready to take on the bulk of the carries. 

Even if Forsett plays at a high level this year, it's always good to have a solid No. 2 to split the load with the featured back. That keeps both backs fresh and less prone to injury. 

Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon is the best running back prospect in this year's draft, and there's a decent chance he'll be on the board when Baltimore is selecting at pick No. 26.

This past season, he was the best running back in college football while rushing for 2,587 yards, the second most in FBS history. Only Barry Sanders ran for more in a single season with his 2,628-yard campaign in 1988. 

Julio Cortez/Associated Press

Gordon also scored 49 times in his career, 29 of which came this past season. He also caught 19 passes for 153 yards and three scores in 2014. 

Despite already being regarded as the top RB prospect, Gordon managed to boost his stock with a good showing at the scouting combine. The 6'1", 215-pounder was timed at 4.52 and 4.53 seconds in the 40-yard dash.

According to NFL.com, Gordon’s best time was fifth best among all RBs. His broad jump of 126 inches was the third best of any back. 

As good as Forsett was last year, if the Ravens draft Gordon, there's a good chance he'd become the No. 1 RB at some point in 2015. That's just how good he is. 

There's also reportedly interest between the Ravens and Gordon. Peter King of TheMMQB.com offered this nugget in his weekly column: "Melvin Gordon will not get past Baltimore at No. 26."

Baltimore met with Gordon at the scouting combine and has also hosted him for a visit since then. Should Gordon fall to the Ravens, it's hard to see them passing up on him unless there's a better prospect at a bigger position of need. 

However, Baltimore may not be able to find a player in this draft who is a better player than Gordon. He's a special kind of talent who will immediately upgrade the offense and give Baltimore arguably the best one-two punch in football with him and Forsett.