In need of running back depth behind starter Jonathan Taylor, the Indianapolis Colts should draft Oklahoma State’s Ollie Gordon II.
Like every team, the Indianapolis Colts will use the 2025 NFL Draft to fill holes on their roster. Indianapolis could certainly use running back depth. With that said, Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon II could be a fantastic selection.
Perhaps tight end and linebacker are the Colts’ biggest needs heading into the draft. That means you might see the team taking a tight end like Michigan’s Coltston Loveland and a linebacker like UCLA’s Carson Schwesinger with their first couple of picks.
But later on in the draft, Indianapolis could scoop up Ollie Gordon II. The Texas native is expected to be a Day 3 pick and could wind up being a steal.
The Indianapolis Colts Should Take Oklahoma State Running Back Ollie Gordon II in the 2025 NFL Draft
Looking Back at His Career
Ollie Gordon II attended Trinity High School in Euless, Texas. He rushed for 2,546 yards (9.9 yards per carry) and 35 touchdowns during his senior year. Receiving college offers from schools like Texas, USC, and Michigan, he ultimately committed to Oklahoma State University.
During the 2023 season, Gordon led the nation with 1,732 rushing yards to go along with 21 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 39 passes for 330 yards and a touchdown. As a result, he was named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and won the Doak Walker Award, which is given to the top running back in college football. In addition, he finished seventh in the Heisman Trophy voting.
Gordon’s stats plummeted last season (880 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns). However, offensive line issues contributed to his drop-off.
Why the Colts Should Consider Him
The Colts roster still includes Jonathan Taylor, easily one of the top running backs in the NFL. Last season, he ran for 1,431 yards and 11 touchdowns, marking his most productive campaign since 2021. He recorded over 600 rushing yards over the final four weeks, showcasing his elite talent. Taylor was one of the few bright spots for the Colts, who finished with a disappointing 8-9 record and missed the playoffs once again.
Yet, Taylor has struggled with injuries over the last few years. His backups last season, Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson, weren’t very productive. Indianapolis signed Khalil Herbert earlier this offseason. The former Chicago Bears and Cincinnati Bengals running back has produced over 1,900 rushing yards during his career. While he should be a good addition, the team still needs more help in the backfield behind Taylor.
Ollie Gordon II could provide that help for Indianapolis. At 6-foot-1 and 226 pounds, he possesses the size and physicality needed for a workload in the NFL. He is known for bulldozing defenders and breaking tackles. Plus, he’s very effective in the red zone and near the end zone. In addition, Gordon has good vision and a solid change of direction.
While Gordon doesn’t have elite speed, he is hard to bring down once he gets going. He isn’t a top-notch receiver, but he has shown potential in becoming one. Gordon has recorded 585 receiving yards across three seasons at Oklahoma State. The Colts might be able to get him in the fourth or fifth round. That’s not bad at all, for a prospect who has such a bright future.