San Diego Chargers select Melvin Gordon No. 15 in 2015 NFL draft

Melvin Gordon has been compared to Jamaal Charles, and the Wisconsin running back with eye-popping 2014 numbers will stabilize the Chargers' running back carousel.

The Chargers traded up two spots with the San Francisco 49ers, giving away a fourth-round pick in this draft and a fifth-rounder in 2016 to select Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon, one of the most productive and prolific backs in recent collegiate history. While he doesn't have the pure strength of Todd Gurley, Gordon is a perfect one-cut-and-go runner who is used to playing behind a ginormous offensive line—which is what he'll be doing with his new team. For the 9-7 Chargers in 2014, Branden Oliver led the team with 160 carries for 582 yards and three touchdowns. Oliver was put in that spot due to injuries to San Diego's other, better-known backs, and Gordon is a major, major upgrade.

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Gordon's 2,587 yards on the ground and 29 touchdowns both led the nation in 2014, and comparisons to Chiefs speedster Jamaal Charles are frequent and instructive. Philip Rivers might want to stick and stay with the Chargers after this move.

• 2015 NFL draft grades: Pick-by-pick analysis and scouting reports

Strengths: Impressive speed to and through the hole. Accelerates to top speed quickly, which allows him to be very effective on draws and delays. Second gear has him moving smoothly pact linebackers and into the secondary in a big hurry. Has the speed and cutting ability to jump multiple gaps. Tremendous balance—doesn't lose his base when moving laterally; keeps his shoulders straight and the speed on. Home-run potential on nearly every play as long as he gets through an open gap at the line. Best as an outside rusher where he can utilize his acceleration to eat up huge chunks of yardage.—DF

Weaknesses: Reportedly held to zero or negative yards on nearly 20 percent of his carries, and that shows up on tape. A fairly big back, but he's not a power player who will consistently break through the first line if gaps aren't open. Not creative enough to get out of trash after first contact—needs to use his vision better to get out of trouble. Breaks tackles with acceleration more than raw power. Runs too upright at times and loses leverage. Could get lost in the NFL unless he learns to take advantage of smaller and quicker-closing gaps. Benefited from a physical, imposing line in college, and may need that at the next level. Average receiver who will need to improve this aspect of his game as a professional. Fumbled multiple times down the stretch in the 2014 season.—DF

Player comparison:Jamaal Charles

Grade: A

GALLERY: SCENES FROM THE NFL DRAFT

2015 NFL Draft in Pictures

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The stage prior to the start of the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University in Chicago.

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Jameis Winston takes the call from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who made him the first pick.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans react after their team drafted former Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston with the first overall pick during the NFL draft party in Tampa, Fla.

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Jameis Winston posed for SI in his new team's jersey after he was taken No. 1.

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Jameis Winston posed for SI in his new team's jersey after he was taken No. 1.

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Marcus Mariota at his draft party in Honolulu.

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Marcus Mariota at his draft party in Honolulu.

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Washington defensive lineman Danny Shelton picks up NFL commissioner Roger Goodell as he celebrates after being selected by the Cleveland Browns as the 12th pick.

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Fans cheer after Kevin White of the West Virginia Mountaineers was picked seventh by the Chicago Bears.

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Bears fans cheer Chicago's selection of Kevin White of West Virginia Mountaineers.

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Dante Fowler with commissioner Roger Goodell after being drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

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Stanford offensive lineman Andrus Peat, right, talks to Deion Sanders after being selected by the New Orleans Saints as the 13th pick in the first round.

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Green Bay Packers fans cheer during the first round of the draft.

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A look at some of the NFL team representatives at the draft.

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Kentucky linebacker Bud Dupree celebrates after being selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers as the 22nd pick in the first round.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans Keith Kunzig and David Miller are excited to have traveled from Florida to be at the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

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Shane Ray checks out his threads.

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Leonard Williams is interviewed outside the draft venue before being taken by the New York Jets.

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Jameis Winston waiting for the call.

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The scene inside the Jameis Winston draft gathering.

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Marcus Mariotta in Hawaii before the first round began.

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Two Patriots fans in Chicago.

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Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly arriving at the NFL Draft.

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Chicago mounted police before the first round commenced.

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Dante Fowler's shoes on draft night.

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Chicago welcomed the NFL Draft with open arms.

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The view from outside Roosevelt University Auditorium Theatre.

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NFL prospect Trae Waynes of Michigan State talks to pediatric patient Alec Cabacungan while doing a mock interview during the NFL PLAY 60 activities at Shriners Hospital for Children on Thursday, April 30 in Chicago.