After ranking at the top of running backs in the league in 2017, Melvin Gordon checks in at No. 16 on NFL Fantasy's Top 50 fantasy player predictions for the upcoming season. He is the first Charger to make this year's list.
In 2017, Gordon rushed for 1,105 yards with eight touchdowns for his first 1,000-yard season, becoming the first Charger to rush for over 1,000 yards since 2013. In Week 8 at New England, the 25-year-old tied former Chargers RB Paul Lowe for the longest run in Bolts history with an 87-yard score against the Patriots. He proved to be a threat through the air as well, notching 58 receptions for 476 yards and four scores.
Fantasy analysts love Gordon's ability to be a workhorse at the running back position. Although he knows he'll share carries with other complementary backs on the roster, he isn't shy about coveting the bell-cow role.
"I don't have a problem (sharing touches)," Gordon said. "I used to share with James White. We split carries literally down the middle. And then that last year (in college), I got a taste of what it feels like to be the workhorse. So you enjoy it a little bit. You get a rhythm. And then my second year (here), everybody got hurt unfortunately. Being a workhorse, it comes with good feelings. When you get to the second half of the game, you run that run three or four times. I know where to hit it. When you're switching, it's hard to get in a rhythm. But it saves you at the end of the day having another back to complement you."
The Chargers' 2018 training camp schedule is official, so mark your calendars to watch the Bolts prepare for the upcoming season! The team will hold 14 practices open to the public between July 28 and August 23. For more information, please visit **www.chargers.com/camp**.
