Chargers' Melvin Gordon: Expected to take another leap in 2017

New head coach Anthony Lynn believes Gordon (knee, hip) could rise to another level in his third season, ESPN's Eric D. Williams reports. "He did a hell of a job from his rookie year to his sophomore year," Lynn said. "And I told him we can take this to another level. We're going to do some things running-wise that I can think can help him."

Analysis:

It's interesting to note that Lynn did not discuss Gordon's burgeoning receiving skills, instead opting to discuss what he could improve while running the ball. Given Danny Woodhead's impending free agency, it remains to be seen if the Chargers view Gordon as a three-down back or if they'll prefer to utilize him strictly in the ground game. Regardless, it's clear Lynn and the rest of the Chargers' staff took notice of the Wisconsin alum's breakout 2016 campaign. Assuming he recovers from a hip strain and a knee sprain that caused him to miss the final three games of the regular season, Gordon should certainly be considered one of the top fantasy running backs entering the 2017 season.