NFL Mock Draft 2015: Matt Miller Projects Colts Drafting Running Back Melvin Gordon

The NFL Scouting Combine is officially over, and of course that means that in the next few days there will be a lot of new mock drafts coming out based on what was learned during the past week in Indianapolis.

One such example today is from Bleacher Report's Matt Miller, who put out his most recent mock draft on Tuesday after the Combine finished.  It's a two round mock, and here's what he projects the Colts to do in both rounds:

In the first round (at pick number 29), Miller has the Colts taking running back Melvin Gordon out of Wisconsin.

Two running backs in the first round? What is this, 2012?

It's not, but this is the year for a run on running backs in the first round. Two reasons: 1. This isn't a great draft class for top-tier talent (especially on offense); 2. There are legitimate needs at the position. That sets up well for Todd Gurley (No. 26, Baltimore) and 2,000-yard rusher Melvin Gordon.

I'm not completely sold on Gordon's ability to transition to the NFL (he doesn't show great burst or long speed, had six fumbles in his last five games and definitely benefited from the scheme), but he has unquestioned vision, patience and balance as a runner. The Colts need a bell cow, and Gordon is a much better option than Trent Richardson.

In the second round, Miller has the Colts taking outside linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin out of Louisville.

This idea of the Colts possibly taking a running back in the first round is something that we've already seen a number of times so far in this draft season and will no doubt see again, and the most common running back that we've seen predicted to the Colts is Melvin Gordon (you can keep up with all the different mock drafts by checking out our Colts mock draft database).

Gordon, a 6-1, 210 pound running back, had a tremendous junior season in 2014, rushing for 2,587 yards - the second-highest total in college football history - and 29 touchdowns while averaging 7.5 yards per carry.  He also added 19 receptions for 153 yards and three touchdowns in the receiving game.  The Monday Morning Quarterback's Greg A. Bedard did a fantastic breakdown of Gordon, and Bedard noted that Gordon is a two-down running back who needs work in the passing game.  He concluded that, "Gordon might be picked in the first round, but right now he isn't a first-round talent."

Without question, the Colts need help at the running back position.  Right now, the team has Vick Ballard and Zurlon Tipton leading the way, and while it's very likely that the Colts will bring back Boom Herron (who is a restricted free agent), they still need a starting running back.  Boom could be a very valuable change of pace back (and could be the third down back if the team drafted Gordon), but the Colts need to add another running back this offseason.  At this point, it's unclear how the team will choose to do that, but this is a deep draft class at the running back position, and odds are that the Colts would be able to still get a good back in the second round while using their first round pick on a much bigger need, such as on the defensive side of the football.

What are your thoughts on the Colts possibly selecting Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon in the first round?