Vincent Frank
Running back has been somewhat of an issue for the Baltimore Ravens in recent years. While they have gotten production from the likes of J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, injuries have impacted this area of the team.
While Friday’s signing of Melvin Gordon is more of a depth move, the announcement that the two-time Pro Bowler has inked a contract with Baltimore is notable.
Gordon, 30, was a first-round pick of the then-San Diego Chargers back in 2015. Over the course of his first seven NFL seasons, the Wisconsin product averaged nearly 1,200 total yards and 10 touchdowns. Though, he did take a step back with the Denver Broncos this past season.
- Melvin Gordon stats (2022): 318 rushing yards, 3.5 average, 25 receptions, 223 receiving yards, 2 TD
One of the major recent issues for Gordon has been ball security recently. He has fumbled eight times over his past 25 games. That must be rectified if he’s going to make the 53-man roster out of camp.
Related: 2023 Baltimore Ravens training camp preview
Baltimore Ravens depth chart at running back
The addition of Gordon creates depth for Baltimore. In search of a new contract himself, Dobbins is slated to be RB1 heading into Week 1 against the Houston Texans. He’s played in all of eight games over the past two seasons and missed the entire 2021 campaign due to a torn ACL. Though, the former Ohio State star is averaging a healthy 5.9 yards per rush throughout his young career.
Even with the Gordon signing, it’s a safe bet that Edwards will back up Dobbins in 2023. While also plagued by injury recently, the former undrafted free agent from Rutgers has showed on when he’s been on the field. That includes averaging nearly 800 total yards in a part-time role from 2018-20.
