SAN DIEGO -- Figuring out how to best use running back Melvin Gordon is one of the San Diego Chargers' top priorities this offseason. Offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt has said he has some ideas on how to get Gordon going, and with a full offseason the Wisconsin product should be improved in his second season.
Locks: Melvin Gordon, Danny Woodhead, Branden Oliver
On the bubble: Donald Brown, Dreamius Smith
The good: Woodhead had a nice, bounce-back season in his return from a nasty broken ankle that ended his 2014 campaign with just three games played. Woodhead led all running backs in receiving yards (755) and catches (80). He also led the Chargers in both categories. ... According to ESPN Stats & Statistics, the Chargers converted 73.3 percent of the time on third down runs of three yards or shorter -- No. 7 in the NFL. ... A limited pass-catcher in college, Gordon finished with 31 catches for 192 receiving yards his rookie season.
The bad: The Chargers averaged a league-worst 3.46 yards per carry in 2015. Gordon averaged just 1.8 yards before contact -- No. 41 in the NFL. There are a couple reasons for that number. First, Gordon was hit a lot in the backfield before he could get going. Second, because of his inexperience in San Diego’s run scheme, Gordon at times hesitated before hitting the proper running lane, with the hole closing up before he could squirt through to the second level. Gordon also finished with six fumbles, losing four. So improved ball security will be a point of emphasis during the offseason. Gordon and Oliver also have to get healthy. Gordon finished the season on the injured reserve with a torn cartilage in his knee that required surgery, missing the final two games. Oliver suffered a broken toe that ended his 2015 campaign with eight games left.
The money: Woodhead will make $2 million in the final season of a three-year deal. Gordon will make nearly $1 million in cash in the second year of his rookie deal. Brown will earn $3 million in non-guaranteed salary if he’s with the Chargers in 2015. Brown is due a $500,000 roster bonus if he’s on San Diego’s roster on the third day of the new league year. Oliver is scheduled to make a base salary of $600,000 on the final year of his rookie deal.
Draft priority: The Chargers have enough talent and depth already on the roster for a productive group at running back. Smith provides talent and depth at the position, and if he gains some weight could compete for playing time at fullback. One way for the Chargers to improve is to use more runs outside the tackles. According to ESPN Stats & Information, the Chargers ran the ball just 65 times outside the tackles in 2015, ranking No. 30 in the NFL. During Whisenhunt's tenure as offensive coordinator in 2013, the Chargers ran the ball 101 times outside the tackles, No. 16 in the NFL. Also in 2013, the Chargers averaged 5.3 yards per carry on outside runs, No. 8 in the NFL. Using more outside zone-stretch plays would be a better fit for Gordon’s ability to make things happen outside the numbers.
