In his first three years in the NFL, Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon has emerged as one of the most productive all-around players at his position.

Gordon has quickly become a huge asset in the passing game over the last couple of years that has impressed head coach Anthony Lynn to state that he is a better receiver out of the backfield than what was previously perceived.

“What I liked about Melvin's game is that I think he had 1,600 or 1,700 yards from the line of scrimmage. He's a better receiver than I ever thought he was. I think was second on our team on receptions last year.”

Gordon certainly put that receiving ability on display last season as he had a notable increase his involvement in the passing game as he garnered a career-best 85 targets where he recorded 58 catches for 476 receiving yards for four touchdowns. It was also his first 1,000 rushing yard campaign of his career that helped him join Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson as the only players in franchise history to record at least 1,400 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns in consecutive seasons.

Beyond that, his versatility as a dual-threat option out of the backfield should see him continue to be a key piece in the offense that could see him put together a career-best campaign in 2018. There have been inklings of that possibly being the case with offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt stating that Gordon will see a bigger in the passing game. This could especially be the case with tight end, Hunter Henry, suffering a torn ACL back in June in the team’s offseason workouts.

If the Chargers hope to break through with their first playoff appearance in five years, Gordon will likely need to be a huge factor in the offense to help lift over to that goal.