Embed from Getty Images
The Kansas City Chiefs are reportedly adding a running back for their final stretch of the 2022 season. According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Melvin Gordon is expected to sign with the team’s practice squad.
#ChiefsKingdom #FPC #NFL #NFLTwitter pic.twitter.com/oRm4VbvyS3
— Full Press NFL (@FullPressNFL) November 28, 2022
Gordon, an eight-year veteran, was recently waived by the Denver Broncos last week. He was in his third season with the Broncos. Yet, fumbles and a drop in production had grown for Gordon inside the Denver offense. After going unclaimed on waivers, the running back will now be on the third team of his career. Amazingly, Gordon has only played in the AFC West.
The Los Angeles Chargers drafted him in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft. In five years with the Bolts, Gordon tallied 4,240 rushing yards and 36 rushing touchdowns on 1,059 carries. Afterwards, the ball carrier totaled 2,222 rushing yards and 19 rushing touchdowns on 508 carries in two and a half seasons with the Broncos.
What could Chiefs fans expect from Melvin Gordon after his arrival in Kansas City? Plus, how does this particular move impact the ever-evolving running back position for KC’s offense? Let’s kick it off.
Current Play Style Of Melvin Gordon
Overall, Melvin Gordon is incredibly effective in between the tackles. He has a dense lower half, which allows him to gain extra yards after contact. Gordon also seems to be lethal when needing to squeeze through tight spaces. And despite his adequate size, defenses can sometimes lose him in those dirty areas, allowing him to break through for longer chunk gains.
He may not be as powerful of a runner as he was at the beginning of his professional career. Nonetheless, he can still bounce off of defenders and run through opponents. As that power has waned, Gordon still offers noticeable long speed when he is able to reach the open field. Can he win every footrace? No. But, Melvin Gordon offers plenty of potential with his cutback ability, spatial awareness, vision and patience.
-
Ep 101: Conference Championship Sunday - Preview, Prop Bets, and Predictions
by Full Press Coverage on January 29, 2023 at 11:25 am
That patience and vision is something that has been of note surrounding Chiefs rookie running back Isiah Pacheco. While Pacheco has shown improvement in those areas, Kansas City has been looking for more consistent timing when he hits the hole. Perhaps, Gordon’s veteran expertise will aid Pacheco going forward. Reading the field and recognizing what defensive fronts are doing could be where Melvin Gordon makes the most of his opportunities with Kansas City. While not an elite pass catcher, the Chiefs could also benefit from Gordon’s vision and patience in the screen pass game, if necessary.
How Does This Move Impact Chiefs Running Back Spot Moving Forward?
The Kansas City Chiefs running back spot seems to always be in some sort of flux. As does most seasons under Andy Reid, his team is largely going to rely on the passing game and a stout offensive line in the trenches. We have seen different names, due to different circumstances, thrive as a ball carrier with Reid in Kansas City. Names like Spencer Ware, Charcandrick West, Kareem Hunt and Damien Williams all had varying levels of success with the Chiefs. In recent years, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Darrel Williams shouldered the bulk of the load. Even Jerick McKinnon, and the aforementioned Pacheco have found times where they have given the Chiefs a jolt.
All of that to say, Kansas City will use different running backs for different roles. The hot hand is generally used, when it comes to the rushing side of things. At the same time, certain matchups and opponents can lead to an increase in touches for certain running backs, depending on their play style.
As a result, Melvin Gordon may be called up from the practice squad to the active roster in relatively short order. That does not mean that he will overtake Pacheco or even McKinnon. Yet, we could see this as a chance for Gordon to make a good impression on Kansas City heading into next year. If McKinnon or Ronald Jones do not return in 2023, perhaps Melvin Gordon could be a veteran depth piece that the Chiefs hold onto. We also have to wonder about the future status of Edwards-Helaire. Possibly, Gordon turns into a nice depth piece down the stretch this season.
Be on the lookout for more FPC Chiefs articles and analysis throughout this week. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.
– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.
-
Ep 141: Andy Reid, Eagles, And Conference Championship Weekend w/ Joe Bannerby Full Press Coverage on January 27, 2023 at 5:36 pm
Clark and Ira are joined by former Eagles President Joe Banner to talk […]
-
Ep 140: The 49ers/Cowboys Rivalry With Former San Francisco Tight End Brent Jonesby Full Press Coverage on January 19, 2023 at 9:02 pm
Clark and Ira are joined by former 49ers tight end and three time Super […]
-
Ep 137: Hall Of Fame Discussion w/ John Turneyby Full Press Coverage on December 30, 2022 at 5:33 pm
Football historian John Turney of Pro Football Journal joins Clark and Ira […]
-
Ep 136: Remembering The Longest Game Ever Played With Larry Littleby Full Press Coverage on December 24, 2022 at 1:09 am
On the 51-year anniversary of the longest game ever played (Chiefs vs. […]
-
Ep 135: Hall of Fame Semifinalist Jahri Evans Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on December 16, 2022 at 3:51 pm
Former Saints guard and 2023 HOF Semifinalist Jahri Evans joins Clark and […]
-
Ep 134: Remember AFL/NFL Star John Hadl with Nick Canepaby Full Press Coverage on December 8, 2022 at 2:39 pm
Former Hall of Fame voter, Nick Canepa, joins Clark and Ira to discuss the […]
-
Ep 133: Hall Of Fame Semifinalist Henry Ellard Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on November 30, 2022 at 4:28 pm
Former Rams and Redskins wide receiver, Henry Ellard, joins Clark and Ira […]
-
Ep 132: Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Semifinalists w/ Rick Gosselinby Full Press Coverage on November 22, 2022 at 6:15 pm
Clark and Ira are joined by Pro Football Hall of Fame voter Rick Gosselin […]
-
Ep 131: 'Football Heaven' With PFHOF Senior Advisor Joe Horriganby Full Press Coverage on November 17, 2022 at 5:55 pm
Pro Football Hall of Fame Senior Advisor, Joe Horrigan, joins Clark and […]
-
Ep 130: Remembering John McVay With Hall of Famer Eddie DeBartolo Jr.by Full Press Coverage on November 13, 2022 at 1:42 am
Clark and Ira are joined by Hall of Fame owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. to […]
-
Ep 271: NFL Championship Roundby Full Press Coverage on January 26, 2023 at 1:58 pm
-
Ep 270: NFL Divisional Roundby Full Press Coverage on January 19, 2023 at 1:31 am
-
Ep 269: NFL Playoff Previewby Full Press Coverage on January 12, 2023 at 4:13 am
-
Ep 268: Week 16 Fantasy Rankingsby Full Press Coverage on December 21, 2022 at 9:45 pm
-
Ep.130: Bowling For Talentby Full Press Coverage on January 28, 2023 at 6:00 am
Biggs sits down with Kenneth Berry from the Tangents And Touchdowns […]
-
(Season 3.1) Commanders Roundtable w/ Deuce, DH, and DTby Full Press Coverage on January 27, 2023 at 3:56 am
George Carmi hosts Deuce, DH, and DT as they discuss the latest topics of […]
-
1/27 - Conference Championship Preview: Who is Going To The Super Bowl?by Full Press Coverage on January 27, 2023 at 9:50 am
Ian and John preview Conference Championship Weekend and give their picks […]
-
1/23 - Divisional Round Recap; Chiefs, Bengals, Eagles, and 49ers Advanceby Full Press Coverage on January 23, 2023 at 2:00 pm
Ian and John recap Divisional Round Weekend in the NFL. Learn more about […]
-
1/20 - Buccaneers Fire Byron Leftwich, NFL Divisional Round Previewby Full Press Coverage on January 20, 2023 at 10:19 am
Ian and John discuss the firing of Byron Leftwich and whether or not it […]
-
1/19 - Brady/Gronk Reunion, Aaron Rodgers, NFL News and Notesby Full Press Coverage on January 19, 2023 at 10:14 am
Ian and John discuss the potential of Brady and Ground teaming up in 2023, […]
-
Talkamania Episode 230by Talkamania on September 6, 2022 at 11:43 pm
-
Talkamania Episode 229by Talkamania on August 5, 2022 at 3:37 am
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 211 "Steel Reserve"by Boot 2 The Face on January 28, 2023 at 6:59 pm
We preview the Royal Rumble and other things in the week of pro wreslting. […]
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 210 "No Monè, No Monè, No Monè"by Boot 2 The Face on January 19, 2023 at 12:55 am
Rucker and EJ are back discussing Rucker going to Impacts Hard to Kill […]
-
Ep. 85: UMass-Lowell Head Men's Basketball Coach Pat Duquette Interviewby Full Press Coverage on January 30, 2023 at 6:00 am
-
Pelicans at Bucksby Broken Controller Media on January 29, 2023 at 9:00 pm
-
Clippers at Cavsby Broken Controller Media on January 29, 2023 at 6:45 pm
-
Pick & Rollout: Memphis at Tulsaby Broken Controller Media on January 29, 2023 at 6:00 pm
-
Pacers at Grizzliesby Broken Controller Media on January 29, 2023 at 4:30 pm
-
Pick & Rollout: Drake at Belmontby Broken Controller Media on January 29, 2023 at 4:00 pm
-
Heat at Hornetsby Broken Controller Media on January 29, 2023 at 2:30 pm
-
Pick & Rollout: Rutgers at Iowaby Broken Controller Media on January 29, 2023 at 2:00 pm
-
Pick & Rollout: Michigan State at Purdueby Broken Controller Media on January 29, 2023 at 12:00 pm
-
Ep 101: Conference Championship Sunday - Preview, Prop Bets, and Predictionsby Full Press Coverage on January 29, 2023 at 11:25 am
-
1/6 - Damar Hamlin Update, Bills/Bengals, AFC Playoffs, Week 18 Picksby Full Press Coverage on January 6, 2023 at 3:11 pm
-
Winter Classic: Bruins Rally To Beat Penguins At Fenwayby Full Press Coverage on January 4, 2023 at 2:09 am
-
1/3 - Bills/Bengals Postponed; Bruins Topple Penguins In Winter Classicby Full Press Coverage on January 4, 2023 at 2:05 am
-
1/2 - Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Week 17, Bills/Bengalsby Full Press Coverage on January 3, 2023 at 3:22 am
-
12/30 - New Year's Eve, Luka Doncic, NBA Talk, Week 17 Preview and Picksby Full Press Coverage on January 1, 2023 at 2:29 am
-
Aaron Rodgers, Packers Win Third Straight; Playoffs In Sightby Full Press Coverage on December 27, 2022 at 7:36 pm