The 2025 Senior Bowl held its second practice sessions on Wednesday morning (National Team) and afternoon (American Team). Practice was more intense than Tuesday’s, proving that the talents in attendance have already adjusted to Mobile’s competitive environment. One prospect who checked a lot of boxes during the morning session was Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon II.
Gordon entered the 2024 campaign after a Heisman-worthy season in 2023. The Fort Worth, Texas native rushed for 1,732 yards and 21 touchdowns that year. Unfortunately, a plethora of circumstances prevented Gordon from repeating that performance, including a minor, but nagging lower-body injury that limited his participation.
Now fully healthy at this year's Senior Bowl, Gordon is reminding NFL scouts that he's capable of carrying a complete workload at the next level. He arrived in Mobile with something to prove to evaluators. Throughout Wednesday's practice, Gordon especially shined as a pass-catcher, looking fluid and flexible in the open field. Opposing linebackers struggled with their assignment in coverage.
Wasn’t a pretty ball, but I really appreciate Ollie Gordon II route running ability this week so far. pic.twitter.com/4hjirLiuTT
— Josh Taylor (@JoshTaylorFB) January 29, 2025
Gordon clocked in at a massive 6-foot-1 and 233 pounds during the Senior Bowl’s weigh-in process. His hands surpassed the nine-inch threshold, which helps with ball security and securing passes, but it was his weight that particularly awed scouts in a good way. Gordon's ability to change direction effortlessly and run fluid routes will be a huge selling point for NFL offenses looking to expand their versatility. As a route-runner, he alters tempo to lull defenders into a false sense of security.
Thus far in Mobile, it's that pass-catching prowess that's been notably impressive. There's obviously some untapped potential for Gordon to further exploit as a receiver. After hauling in 39 receptions for 330 yards in 2023, his passing-down production went backward in 2024, totaling 29 catches for 179 yards. Oklahoma State dealt with a variety of issues offensively, including shotty quarterback play, and an offensive line that did not perform to its potential.
It's precisely why evaluating Gordon at the Senior Bowl has been so important throughout Tuesday and Wednesday. He's quickly reminded scouts of his next-level potential. Gordon is a capable three-down back, with the power and speed required to exploit creases on the edge or run between the tackles. But it's his passing-game potential at 233 pounds that will create endless possibilities in a pro offensive coordinator’s playbook.
Advanced footwork, contact balance, and vision are staple traits of Gordon's game as a rusher. As an overall prospect, he possesses a unique blend of size, speed, and strength. During Wednesday's one-on-one period, we were reminded that Gordon has more versatility than initially advertised.
The 2025 NFL Draft is loaded at the running back position. Gordon should be shortlisted to be the next back drafted following Ashton Jeanty, who may be this year’s lone first-rounder. Gordon has showcased precisely why follow-up evaluations of the latest college football season are so notable at the Senior Bowl.
