Ollie Gordon was once viewed as maybe the top running back in his entire draft class.
That was just one year before he left Oklahoma State. But then a tough final season with the Cowboys sent him plummeting to the sixth round, where the Miami Dolphins picked him at No. 179 overall.
Now, though, it's looking pretty important that the Dolphins got Gordon.
They're already expected to be short one running back for Week 1, and there are injuries elsewhere on the RB depth chart, too.
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Ollie Gordon fantasy outlook
Ollie Gordon's fantasy outlook has gotten an immediate boost about 10 days before the Dolphins open the season.
Miami announced that running back Jaylen Wright is expected to miss the start of the regular season with a leg injury. Head coach Mike McDaniel called Wright "week to week."
That removes one potential RB2 from the equation.
Then at the top of the depth chart, De'Von Achane has a calf injury and hasn't practiced in two weeks. McDaniel has said Achane is expected to be ready Week 1, but the Dolphins are being cautious.
This leaves Gordon with opportunity knocking.
The latest FantasyPros ADP data for running backs has Achane being taken as RB9, with Gordon as RB57 and Wright as RB58.
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That makes Gordon, at minimum, a prime handcuff selection if you draft Achane.
Given Achane's explosiveness and the nagging nature of calf injuries, though, it wouldn't be crazy for Gordon to all of a sudden be starting at some point early in the season.
And if that happens, getting him in one of your final bench spots will look like a steal.
He's definitely a name to target, even if someone else drafts Achane. He could always be a trade chip for an Achane owner if the star RB gets hurt.
Gordon once was viewed as having superstar potential. It might not actually be that long until the NFL world gets to see just how good he can actually be.
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