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Ollie Gordon II NFL Draft 2025: Scouting Report for Oklahoma State RB

BR NFL Scouting DepartmentContributor I

WACO, TX - OCTOBER 26: Oklahoma State Cowboys running back Ollie Gordon II (0) cuts back trying to avoid Baylor Bears safety Corey Gordon Jr. (24) during the Big 12 college football game between Baylor Bears and Oklahoma State Cowboys on October 26, 2024, at McLane Stadium in Waco, TX.  (Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

HEIGHT: 6'1"

WEIGHT: 233

HAND: 9¼"

ARM: 32¾"

WINGSPAN: 80"


POSITIVES

— He displays good build-up speed to generate sizeable gains once he breaks the second level of the defense.

— Will lower the shoulder with a powerful running style and punish defenders.

— At his best with attacking the line of scrimmage downhill, creating more decisive reps.

— Solid agility and functionality in space as a pass catcher.


NEGATIVES

— Creativity as a runner when initial rushing lanes are filled/closed.

— Is not an explosive enough athlete to win footrace and outrun defensive pursuit angles consistently.

— Productivity took a massive dip from 2023 to 2024, flaws in profile have been highlighted as a result.

— Lacks short area burst and explosiveness to pop through running lanes against stacked fronts.


NOTES

— Born Jan. 15, 2004

— 4-Star recruit in 2022 class, per 247Sports

— 2023: Doak Walker Award Winner; Unanimous All-American; Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year; First Team All-Big 12


OVERALL

Ollie Gordon is a big, strong, and physical downhill running back who thrives when blocking is executed properly.

He blends NFL size and strength well to fit into a gap-scheme rushing offense. When Gordon can attack decisively downhill with good blocking, he will create issues for the second and third-level defenders. At full speed, he finishes runs and will set the tone early in games if given the chance. Gordon displays good balance to absorb contact and stay on his feet. He is a patient runner with good vision and allows blocks to form before springing into the open field. Gordon generates big plays in the run game when given room to operate, allowing him to build speed. When he reaches top speed, he eats up grass with his long stride.

Gordon is a functional receiver out of the backfield with solid hands. He is a reliable check-down option in the flats and underneath. Once the football is in his hands, he gears up to top speed and runs with a violent intent. Defensive backs have business decisions to make, with Gordon bearing down on them. He is a functional and sturdy pass protector. Gordon stands tall in the pocket, finds the immediate threat to the quarterback, and stonewalls them.

Despite his buildup speed, Gordon is not an explosive athlete when forced to move laterally. He thrives working downhill, but attacking the perimeter has mixed results. Gordon is not an effective stop-and-start runner, once his feet come to a stop, he struggles to get going and generate forward momentum. He is a high-hipped mover with limited change of direction ability. Gordon's short area burst/acceleration is average at best. He will not explode through running lanes and takes time to gear up to top speed. He can be caught from behind before reaching his last gear. He lacks the creativity as a runner to make something out of nothing. If the offensive line cannot create runways for him, Gordon's effectiveness plummets.

Overall, Ollie Gordon III is a strong downhill runner. When given running lanes, he is an effective runner. Gordon projects as a gap scheme offensive fit and backup running back. Under the right circumstances, Gordon offers a potential starter.


GRADE: 6.9 (Potential Role Player — 4th Round)

OVERALL RANK: 116

POSITION RANK: RB12

PRO COMPARISON: Braelon Allen


Written by B/R NFL Scout Dame Parson


Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.