The Los Angeles Chargers are hoping to address a number of deficiencies in their personnel through upcoming 2018 NFL Draft. However, one position they do not need to worry about is running back thanks to the progression of Melvin Gordon.

Gordon has proven to be one of the more promising, young backs in the NFL. So it should come as no surprise that the Chargers have decided to pick up his fifth-year option, according to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk:

General Manager Tom Telesco announced at a Monday press conference that the team will exercise running back Melvin Gordon‘s option for the 2019 season.

Gordon's career got off to a rough start after being taken by the Chargers with the 15th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. He rushed for just 641 yards while failing to reach the end zone in his rookie campaign. However, Gordon managed to bounce back with a tremendous outing the following season. He showed that it was no fluke by enjoying his best year yet.

The former Wisconsin product has been lauded for his versatile skill set as a three-down back. As a result, his touches have increased with each season and shows no signs of slowing up any time soon. He registered a career-high 1,105 yards and eight touchdowns while hauling in 58 catches for 476 yards and four touchdowns in 2017.

Although Gordon has proved to be more than capable of handling such an integral role in the offense, it would still be wise for Los Angeles to consider lightening his workload a bit to prevent any wear and tear. Running back Austin Ekeler proved to be a solid change-of-pace option for Gordon last season after taking 47 carries for 260 yards and two touchdowns to go with 27 receptions for 279 yards and three touchdowns.