When the Miami Dolphins selected Ollie Gordon II in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, not many outside of Stillwater paid much attention. A once highly touted running back from Oklahoma State, Gordon had slid down draft boards after an underwhelming junior season. But just a few weeks into his rookie campaign, Gordon is proving that the Dolphins may have landed one of the biggest steals of the draft.
Oklahoma State Days
Gordon arrived at Oklahoma State with sky-high expectations and delivered immediately. His freshman and sophomore years were filled with breakout performances, powerful runs, and the kind of workload that made him a household name in the Big 12. Entering his junior season, there was real Heisman buzz surrounding his name. But as OSU stumbled, so did Gordon’s production. Whether it was injury, a lack of offensive support, or simply being overworked behind a struggling offensive line, Gordon never looked like the same player that once dominated college football. Still, talent doesn’t vanish and Miami was willing to take a chance on him late in the draft.
Growing Role with the Dolphins
That gamble is already starting to pay off. With backup Jaylen Wright sidelined due to injury, Gordon’s number was called, and he’s answered with toughness and consistency. In Miami’s recent matchup against the Buffalo Bills, Gordon delivered his best performance yet, logging nine carries for 38 yards and scoring his first career touchdown on a strong third-and-goal run. He nearly matched starter De’Von Achane in touches, and what stood out most was how comfortable he looked — both in the scheme and in the moment.
Gordon’s running style is the perfect complement to Achane. Where Achane thrives in space as a pass-catching back, Gordon brings a bruising, between-the-tackles approach. That one-two punch is giving the Dolphins versatility in their run game and forcing defenses to adjust. Gordon’s ability to move the chains, absorb contact, and pick up tough yardage is exactly what Miami needed in a crowded AFC where controlling the clock and finishing drives matter more than ever.
Coaches have taken notice of his progress, and his workload appears to be increasing weekly. As he becomes more familiar with the playbook and refines his understanding of pass protection and blocking schemes, Gordon is earning trust. His physicality, effort, and north-south running style bring a dimension to Miami’s backfield that wasn’t as pronounced before.
What to Expect Going Forward
Of course, challenges remain. Gordon will need to prove he can stay healthy over the course of an NFL season and continue developing as a receiver and blocker. But his early flashes show real potential. For a sixth-round pick, the Dolphins are getting a player who looks ready to contribute, and perhaps even thrive, as a regular piece of their offensive attack.
It’s a feel-good story of resurgence. Gordon, once on a star trajectory before a dip in college production, is showing the football world that his talent never left, it just needed the right opportunity. Now, with a growing role and momentum on his side, Ollie Gordon is making the most of his second chance.