2025 NFL Draft: Ollie Gordon II will impact an NFL offense with an elite skillset

The only one stopping Ollie Gordon II back from becoming the top running back prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft is Ollie Gordon II.  The Oklahoma State star led the FBS in rushing yards with 1,732 last seasons, but could a recent DUI arrest put his off-the-field character in doubt?

NFL teams will assess the situation, but in focusing on Gordon’s on-the-field talents, the Cowboys’ running back is coming off a breakout season in the Big 12, winning the Doak Walker Award with the 1,732 yards rushing with 22 total touchdowns.  He helped lead Oklahoma State to the Big 12 championship and ignited excitement for the upcoming season.

Can the nation’s top running back overcome the alleged DUI charges and continue his reign as a dual threat running back who impact an NFL offense immediately?  That potential will be hard for a team to pass up on, even if his draft stock slides due to the DUI charge.

2025 NFL Draft: Why Ollie Gordon II is the early top RB prospect

It’s that dual threat ability as a running back that will make Gordon II an appealing prospect for most NFL teams.  His elite rushing along with his ability as an effective pass-catching back is exactly why he is ranked as the top running back by PFF.

PFF’s Max Chadwick writes:

“The reigning Doak Walker Award winner led all FBS running backs this past season with 1,732 rushing yards and placed second in both rushing touchdowns (21) and yards after contact (1,056). He also placed third among Power Five backs with 330 receiving yards last year. Making those numbers even more eye-popping is the fact he only received 25 total touches across the first three games while Oklahoma State finished just 102nd in team run-blocking grade.

He has elite vision and footwork and is an excellent athlete as well, placing third among FBS running backs with a maximum speed of 23.1 miles per hour last season.”

In short, those statistics highlight an explosive player with the capability of making an impact in the NFL right away.  Off-the-field issues aside, Gordon II will be on the radar of teams looking to add an exciting playmaker at the running back position.

NFL teams who should be intently watching Ollie Gordon II

Things can change as the NFL season plays out.  An unknown player could emerge for a team projected to be in the mix for a running back come 2025 NFL Draft time.  But here are a three teams that stand out.

Pittsburgh Steelers:

The Steelers are a team that has always featured a running back in their offensive strategy.  The team’s decision to decline Najee Harris’ fifth-year 2025 option means they are willing to let him test free agency unless he has a season that garners a new contract.  That is still unlikely as money will play a role for the Steelers who are focused on upgrading other positions.  With a deep running back class coming led by Gordon II, the Steelers will be a team watching what the Oklahoma State star does this upcoming season.

Dallas Cowboys:

The Cowboys were expected to draft a running back in the 2024 NFL Draft, but instead settled for a reunion with Ezekiel Elliott to help stabilize their running back depth this upcoming NFL season.  They will hope Rico Dowdle breaks out as the lead back in 2024 and even if he does, the Cowboys will be looking to add a more explosive back.  Gordon II would look awesome with that star on his helmet, especially if he slips down to a mid-to-late first round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

New York Giants:

The Giants could have many needs heading into the 2025 NFL Draft with the top perhaps being QB.  But if Daniel Jones proves he’s the man, the Giants could be looking to replace what they had in Saquon Barkley, a running back who could take over an offense as a prime playmaker.  Just imagine the Giants with Malik Nabers at wide receiver and Ollie Gordon II at running back.  Could bring some major excitement back to the Giants’ offense.  Again, this is if they aren’t searching for a quarterback.