The Dolphins added a big, physical and productive back in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft in Oklahoma State's Ollie Gordon II. At 6-1, 226 pounds, Gordon II was the centerpiece of the Cowboys' offense that featured multiple run schemes.
Gordon II fell in love with Miami and the Dolphins during his pre-draft visit.
"As soon as I met (Head Coach Mike McDaniel) I fell in love with him, man," Gordon II said. "His energy, his vibe, he kept everything true with me. He told me the offense fits me and that I can help the offense."
Doak Walker Award winner
One of the most accomplished running backs in college football since the moment he arrived in Stillwater, Oklahoma, Gordon II leaves the Cowboys program with more than 3,500 career yards from scrimmage and a total of 40 touchdowns. His 2023 season, which produced 1,732 rushing yards (led the nation, fourth most in program history) and 21 rushing touchdowns (sixth most in Oklahoma State history) brought home the Doak Walker Trophy, annually awarded to the nation's best running back.
Four of the past five winners of the Doak Walker Award heard their names called in the top 40 picks of the NFL Draft, including three first-round selections. Jonathan Taylor won it in 2018 and 2019, Najee Harris in 2020, Bijan Robinson in 2022 and Ashton Jeanty in 2024. Kenneth Walker II won the award in 2021 and was selected in the second round the following April.
Power and explosiveness
Patience, vision and the ability to read blocks to find cutback lanes all pop off Gordon II's college tape. At 226 pounds, the power is obvious – his 68 missed tackles forced in 2023 were the most in college football. He also gained 1,056 yards after initial contact, second most in the NCAA behind North Carolina's Omarion Hampton, per Pro Football Focus.
At a 96th percentile height for running backs, and 89th percentile in weight, Gordon II's jumps (vertical and broad) and timed speeds all eclipsed the 60th percentile mark for running backs. That explosion is all over his tape, evident by the 73 runs of 10-plus yards over a three-year career. In his breakout 2023 season, Gordon II had 21 rushes that produced at least 20 yards.
Quarterback's best friend
The quickest way for a rookie running back to carve out playing time is by offering third down value, particularly in pass protection. Gordon II is a hammer in short yardage and has enough receiving chops (80 career receptions for 585 yards and four touchdowns) to keep defenses honest on the money down, but it's the work he does protecting his quarterback that stands out above the rest.
Per PFF, Gordon II didn't allow a sack across 221 career pass blocking reps. On only in one occasion did he allow his quarterback to get hit by the defense, which is less than a half of a percentage point. He certainly harbors the right mindset when it comes to protecting his quarterback.
"When I'm in that pass pro mode, I'm trying to take you out," Gordon II said. "That's going to be your last play blitzing; if I've got to cut you, if I've got to run through your face, that's going to be your last play blitzing, and I'm going to make you think about it."
For more on Ollie Goron II, and the rest of the Dolphins 2025 draft class, download the Drive Time Podcast with Travis Wingfield.
