Rating: 80.8 Rank: #18 Forty: 4.61 Gordon projects as a physical downhill runner whose value lies primarily in his early-down and short-yardage capabilities. His running style thrives in gap...
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DRAFT PROJECTION: 6th
Overall Rank: #177 Position rank: #18
College Games: 38 College Snaps: 1579
Drafted: ROUND: 6 - Pick Number: 179 (MIA)
Draft Profile: Bio
Hailing from Euless Trinity High School, Ollie Gordon II arrived in Stillwater as a four-star recruit before patiently waiting his turn behind upperclassmen. When opportunity finally knocked in that Iowa State game midway through his sophomore campaign, he kicked the door down with authority, rattling off six consecutive 120+ yard performances and forever etching his name alongside Barry Sanders in Cowboy lore. His historic three-game stretch against Kansas, West Virginia, and Cincinnati – where he amassed an astonishing 858 scrimmage yards – announced his arrival as college football's premier back.
Gordon's junior campaign brought significant challenges as Oklahoma State's offensive line crumbled and quarterback play regressed dramatically. Where 2023 saw him glide to 1,732 rushing yards (6.1 YPC) and 21 ground scores, 2024 yielded just 880 yards at a much less efficient 4.6 per attempt. The Doak Walker winner and unanimous All-American's statistical regression wasn't surprising given the circumstances – from preseason Heisman contender to an offense that ranked dead last in the Big 12. Despite the team's struggles, Gordon still managed to punch in 13 rushing touchdowns while handling a heavy workload. His career 537 carries yielded 2,920 yards and 37 touchdowns, supplemented by 80 receptions, establishing him as one of college football's most accomplished three-down threats.
Off-field concerns surfaced in June 2024 with an arrest for suspicion of DUI, open container, and speeding – a potential red flag for NFL teams evaluating his character and decision-making. While this incident stands as the only public blemish on his record, it's worth monitoring throughout the pre-draft process. The public health major maintained his eligibility despite the arrest, representing a cornerstone of Oklahoma State's offense throughout his three seasons in Stillwater.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Imposing physical specimen with prototypical NFL frame who initiates contact with tacklers rather than absorbing hits passively – carries a punishing running style that wears down defenses over four quarters.
- Demonstrates natural vision on zone concepts, patiently allowing blocking to develop before decisively attacking cutback lanes with purposeful footwork and quick mental processing.
- Transforms into a thundering force when hitting top gear in the open field, challenging defensive backs' tackling courage while offering deceptive straight-line speed that surprises when he finds daylight.
- Exhibits reliable hands out of the backfield with zero drops in 2024 and natural receiving skills that make him a legitimate three-down offensive weapon rather than just a checkdown option.
- Showcases excellent contact balance through traffic, maintaining equilibrium through arm tackles and glancing blows while keeping his legs churning for additional yardage.
- Finishes runs with authority and competitive fire, particularly near the goal line where his nose for the end zone becomes pronounced – gets nasty when he smells the paint.
- Legitimate workhorse who proved capable of handling heavy volume (285 carries in 2023) without significant performance drop-off or durability concerns.
- Seamlessly adjusts his running profile to squeeze through tight creases, manipulating his shoulders and frame to maximize space availability in congested areas.
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Too often catches himself dancing in the backfield when immediate holes aren't available, wasting valuable momentum and turning potential 4-yard gains into minimal yardage or losses.
- Runs with inconsistent pad level that varies dramatically from play to play – can get too upright through contact, limiting his natural power and exposing his frame to unnecessary punishment.
- Pass protection technique remains underdeveloped despite his size advantage, often resorting to diving at defenders' ankles rather than engaging with proper technique and leverage.
- Lacks the elite lateral agility and explosive change-of-direction ability that separates special NFL backs – won't make defenders miss in phone booth situations.
- Ball security warrants monitoring with six career fumbles (four lost) – carries the ball somewhat loosely away from his frame in traffic and doesn't consistently secure through contact.
Scouting Report: Summary
Gordon projects as a physical downhill runner whose value lies primarily in his early-down and short-yardage capabilities. His running style thrives in gap and power schemes where his momentum and tackle-breaking abilities can be harnessed without requiring much lateral creativity. The film shows a back with excellent vision between the tackles who knows how to set up blocks and explode through creases once he's identified them. While his 2024 regression is concerning, context matters – he faced stacked boxes behind a crumbling offensive line with minimal support from the passing game.
The gap between Gordon's rushing efficiency and his pass protection skills represents the most significant hurdle to immediate three-down usage. When evaluating his NFL transition, I see a reliable chain-mover with touchdown upside rather than a consistent home-run threat. His physicality translates immediately to short-yardage and goal-line situations, but his technical flaws in pass protection will likely limit his third-down opportunities early in his career. The foundation for growth exists in his natural hands and receiving instincts, which could allow for expanded responsibilities as he develops.
Gordon lands in that challenging evaluation territory – a productive college back with imposing size but athletic limitations that cap his ceiling. The combination of youth (just 21 on draft day), production pedigree, and physical attributes makes him an intriguing mid-round option with starter potential. His high-end outcome hinges on landing with a coordinator who emphasizes gap schemes and values his physicality, while his floor remains that of a valuable early-down contributor and short-yardage specialist.
Written By:
Eli Cooper (Big 12)
