Future Broncos: Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon II

If the Denver Broncos opt to wait until later in the 2025 NFL Draft to draft a running back, Oklahoma State’s Ollie Gordon II would be worth considering.

The journey and arc for collegiate prospects looking to turn pro can change on a dime.

Coming off an incredible 2023 season, Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon II was an early favorite to be one of the top-ranked draft eligible backs for the 2025 NFL Draft.

Gordon’s performance as a sophomore was one for the record books. He was the FBS leader with 1,732 rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns. As a receiver, he added 39 receptions for 330 yards and 1 receiving touchdown making him a 2,000-yard from scrimmage player. His dominance earned him All-American accolades, the Big 12 Conference’s Offensive Player of the Year, and the Doak Walker Award given to the nation’s best collegiate running back.

Expectations were high for him this season, but his statistical performance plummeted. Though in his defense, poor quarterback play, and offensive line issues definitely played a role in his drop off. Those are just some of the major reasons why Mike Gundy’s squad went from a 10-4 team in ‘23 to just 3 wins in ‘24.

Given the depth of this year’s class and other running backs outperforming him this past season, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Gordon slip a bit on draft day. If that’s the case, the Denver Broncos may be able to get him later than one would expect. Let’s take a deeper look at Gordon, his strengths and weaknesses, and when the Broncos should consider drafting him.

Player Profile: Ollie Gordon II — Running Back — Oklahoma State

Height: 6’1” | Weight: 226 pounds | Arm Length: 32-3/4” | Hand Size: 9-1/2”

40-yard dash: 4.61 seconds | 10-yard split: 1.61 seconds | Vertical: 34-1/2” | Broad: 10’-0”

Statistics at Oklahoma State: 39 games, 537 carries, 2,920 yards, 5.4 yard per carry average, 36 rushing touchdowns, 80 receptions, 585 yards, 7.3 yards per reception, and 4 receiving touchdowns.

Film Room & Highlights

Hart’s Scouting Report

Positives:

• Possess size and physicality for a significant workload in the pros
• Ample experience running in both zone and gap
• Bulldozes opposing defenders and has a knack for breaking tackles
• Utilizes stiff arm to jar back and neutralize the opposition
• Highly productive in the redzone and near the endzone
• Dominant ‘23 season campaign showcased his immense talent and ability
• Better receiver out of the backfield than given credit for
• Can get skinny and shows some deceptiveness in tight quarters on inside runs

Negatives:

• Only average athletic testing
• Suspicion of DUI arrest in summer of 2024 might give teams a reason for concern
• Significant drop in production in ‘24 compared to ‘23 campaign
• At times carries the ball away from his frame leading to fumbles
• May take more punishment than necessary with upright running style and physical nature
• Gives an effort in pass protection, but needs a lot of technique work and refinement

Hart’s Projection: Top 125 Selection | Fourth Round Value

Why the Denver Broncos should consider drafting Gordon II

For the first time in several years, the Broncos have four picks in the Top 125 of the 2025 NFL Draft. That gives them flexibility with respect to how they want to attack this year’s draft. It’s a guarantee that with one of those picks they will take a running back. If they opt to address other needs early on in this year’s draft, Gordon would be a prospect to consider on Day 3 come April.

Teams and scouts will have some vetting to do with some of the concerns above. However, they will undoubtedly be enamored by his prolific performance two years ago. Gordon profiles as a thunder back at the next level who would likely be utilized best in a tandem with a lightning caliber player.

He doesn’t have elite speed, but once he gets going, he is a freight train capable of bulldozing defenders that is hard to bring down. While he isn’t an elite weapon out of the backfield as a receiver, he does show some potential and promise. In order to be a true three-down back in the National Football League, he will have to improve upon the former and also show he can be more capable in pass protection.

At the end of the day, there is a lot to like about Gordon. I have his value pegged in the fourth round. That being said, I wouldn’t be surprised if he went a bit higher or if he outperformed a handful of backs who might go ahead of him. If he can revert back to his level a play from a few years ago, Gordon should wind up being a quality starter.