Ollie Gordon got my attention on Friday. He’s looking like he might be a factor this year.
Gordon lasted until the sixth round of the draft, in part because of a so-so final season at Oklahoma State. He was a lot better two years ago, running for 1,732 yards and 21 touchdowns while averaging a yard and a half more per carry.
But Gordon is running just fine now, finishing runs with authority. He had three runs at Detroit on Saturday where he lowered his shoulder and delivered a blow, picking up 3-5 extra yards. He carried 10 times for 50 yards in that game, looking like an NFL back. He was credible in his first game, carrying 8 times for 33 yards and a touchdown at Chicago.
Admittedly, not earth-shattering stuff, but he’s been their best backup, and things seem to be falling in place for him. DeVon Achane has a calf injury and he’s tiny (neat little back, but he won’t be playing in 17 games). Alexander Mattison is out for the year with a neck injury. And Jaylen Wright has been underwhelming. Wright is currently listed as the team’s backup, but he’s carried 13 times for only 19 yards in the preseason.
Maybe the Dolphins add some other running back. They worked out Jamaal Williams a week or so back (though I don’t think he’s NFL material anymore). Washington is supposedly trying to trade Brian Robinson; maybe the Dolphins are interested in him.
But I’m thinking Gordon will be Miami’s No. 2 back, and it’s one of the better backup gigs in the league, given the durability and size of the starter. Mike McDaniel a week ago indicated the Dolphins will be using their No. 2 back in goal-line situations.
Those far in the preseason, 29 running backs have carried the ball at least 15 times. Only two have averaged more yards per carry than Gordon. I’m thinking he makes a lot of sense with a pick in the late rounds.
| PRESEASON: YARDS PER CARRY | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | Att | Yards | Avg | Lg | TD |
| Cody Schrader, LAR | 18 | 107 | 5.9 | 25 | 0 |
| Jacardia Wright, Sea. | 16 | 82 | 5.1 | 19 | 1 |
| Ollie Gordon, Mia. | 18 | 83 | 4.6 | 21 | 1 |
| Brittain Brown, Chi. | 16 | 73 | 4.6 | 14 | 1 |
| Braelon Allen, NYJ | 15 | 67 | 4.5 | 14 | 0 |
| Owen Wright, T.B. | 22 | 90 | 4.1 | 15 | 1 |
| D'Ernest Johnson, Balt. | 29 | 118 | 4.1 | 16 | 1 |
| Zavier Scott, Min. | 17 | 68 | 4.0 | 12 | 0 |
| Jordan Mims, Ten. | 15 | 58 | 3.9 | 12 | 0 |
| Kalel Mullings, Ten. | 15 | 58 | 3.9 | 12 | 0 |
| Ian Wheeler, Chi. | 26 | 100 | 3.8 | 12 | 2 |
| Donovan Edwards, NYJ | 17 | 63 | 3.7 | 11 | 0 |
| Jarquez Hunter, LAR | 26 | 96 | 3.7 | 11 | 0 |
| Bhayshul Tuten, Jac. | 16 | 59 | 3.7 | 8 | 2 |
| Kaleb Johnson, Pitt. | 19 | 70 | 3.7 | 14 | 0 |
| Rasheen Ali, Balt. | 28 | 99 | 3.5 | 19 | 1 |
| Raheim Sanders, LAC | 15 | 53 | 3.5 | 14 | 2 |
| Damien Martinez, Sea. | 17 | 60 | 3.5 | 19 | 1 |
| Israel Abanikanda, G.B. | 18 | 62 | 3.4 | 8 | 1 |
| Jacob Saylors, Det. | 24 | 80 | 3.3 | 11 | 0 |
| Sean Tucker, T.B. | 17 | 56 | 3.3 | 23 | 1 |
| Craig Reynolds, Det. | 22 | 66 | 3.0 | 13 | 1 |
| Jabari Small, Det. | 16 | 48 | 3.0 | 6 | 0 |
| Anthony Tyus, Sea. | 17 | 47 | 2.8 | 11 | 0 |
| Kimani Vidal, LAC | 25 | 69 | 2.8 | 16 | 2 |
| Dante Miller, NYG | 15 | 39 | 2.6 | 10 | 0 |
| Audric Estime, Den. | 17 | 41 | 2.4 | 7 | 0 |
| Michael Carter, Ari. | 15 | 30 | 2.0 | 5 | 0 |
| Keilan Robinson, Phil. | 18 | 33 | 1.8 | 14 | 0 |
—Ian Allan