Melvin Gordon and Shane Ray Falling to the Colts?

There are multiple holes on the Indianapolis Colts that need to be fixed through the NFL Draft this year. We have multiple holes on defense that need to be filed such as: Safety, Defensive Line, and Linebacker.

After viewing many mock drafts, I have seen the Colts selecting a first rounder either on the offensive line or defensive line. However, what if an offensive talent like Melvin Gordon, running back from Wisconsin, were to fall to the Colts in the first round at pick 29?

Or it even seems the very steady free fall of Shane Ray, defensive end from Missouri, could make him fall out of the first round completely. Would the Colts select either of these athletes with other needs or less injuries and problems? Let’s take a closer look.

Melvin Gordon Running Back Wisconsin

Jan 1, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

Gordon Stands at 6’1″ weighing 215 lbs and ran a 4.52 on the 40 yard dash at the combine. One of Gordon’s most impressive stats is the fact that in 2014 he ran for 2,587 yards, which is the second most all-time right behind Barry Sanders with 2,628 in 1988. Gordon, who was a first team All-American, led the nation with 29 rushing touchdowns and was runner up for the Heisman trophy in 2014, behind Oregon’s Marcus Mariota.

Melvin is a very agile back; however, he has a tendency to bounce outside early and his strength is not interior running. Also, in his final 5 games, Gordon fumbled a total of six times, and is viewed as a below average pass catcher. With that being said, he is a very explosive back with playmaking ability and during his pro day showed that he can actually catch the ball with pretty good success.

The Scoop:

On Draft Academy on ESPN that aired on Tues. April 28, Gordon was seen talking to a Colts scout at his pro day. After talking to the scout he is shown talking to his mother about the Indianapolis Colts. Melvin notes that the Colts just signed Frank Gore, but thinks that he may only have 2-3 years left in him. His mother asks whether he would like to play for the Colts. Without hesitation, Gordon said he would like to play for the Colts.

The Question:

Would the Colts take Melvin Gordon at pick number 29 if he is still available?

Now, I am not saying that I think that he will fall to the Colts, but you can never rule it out especially with it being a deep running back draft this year. However, if he is available, would the Colts select him over possibly Eric Kendricks, Landon Collins, or Eddie Goldman. I believe this decision would come down to two things: One, the glaring holes at defensive tackle and safety and two, the fact it is a deep running back draft.

So if there is still a top defensive tackle or say Collins on the board at #29 at safety, I would really hope the Colts would take one of them. However, Colts General Manager Ryan Grigson is not known for passing up offensive talent. I believe that if Collins and their favorite prospects at defensive tackle are off the board, they very well could draft Gordon with the 29th pick.

Shane Ray Defensive End Missouri

Oct 18, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Ray stands at 6’3″ and weighs in at 245 lbs. Shane did not take part in combine due to turf toe, but held his own pro day and ran 4.64 40 yard dash. In 2014, Ray was a junior and was named SEC Defensive Player of the year. He also led the SEC in sacks and tackles for loss in 2014. He is a very fast defensive end with great explosiveness and strength for his size. He is a special athlete, who plays every snap like it’s his last and has great agility.

Shane is a great pass rusher, but has trouble with oversized tackles that he can’t beat with his hands. Also, many NFL scouts believe he lacks great length for a pass rusher, but makes up for it with exceptional athletic ability.

The Scoop:

During the Citrus Bowl in 2014, Shane Ray suffered a turf toe injury. Last week, Ray told ESPN’s Chris Mortensen that he had seen a doctor, and that it does not require surgery. However, some NFL doctors think that he could still need surgery. This injury did lower his draft stock a little but he was still projected in the first half of the first round of most NFL mock drafts.

On Tuesday April 28, ESPN reported that on the 27th Shane Ray had been cited for possession of marijuana

ESPN went on to report that Ray will be entered into the first stage of the NFL’s substance abuse program. Mike and Mike in the morning talked about the potential drop of Ray during the draft and speculated that he could not only fall out of the first round, but also the second and maybe even the third. Following this story, Ray was questioned about the citation and stated that he apologizes for his citation and said that he will make better decisions in the future.

The Question:

Taking into account the turf toe issue, the citation, and the fact that Shane Ray will be entering the NFL in the substance abuse program, would the Colts use their 1st, 2nd, or 3rd round pick on him?

I believe that is is very plausible he falls out of the the first round of the draft. There are just too many questions about this player that makes teams worry. Plain and simple, he could be a liability either with the injury or the citation. I do not think that the Colts should take him with their 1st round pick of the NFL draft.

Yes he is a very good player, but Indianapolis already has a few liabilities and mistakes on the legal side (*Andrew Jackson and Josh McNary to name a couple). Indy does not need anymore potential bad publicity. However, I think that the reward would outweigh the risk if he were to fall to us in the second round. If that situation were to happen, I would hope the Colts would take him. If Ray were to fall all the way to us in the third round, I think it would be a steal! He has top ten player ability when healthy.

Soon we will see what actually happens and where every player falls. The NFL draft is on April 30, 2015.

Please leave your thoughts and comments below!

Thanks for reading!

More from Horseshoe Heroes

Home/Colts Draft