Chargers trade up to select running back Melvin Gordon

The San Diego Chargers traded up to select Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon with the No. 15 pick in Thursday's draft.

The San Diego Chargers traded up to select Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon with the No. 15 pick in Thursday's draft.

In the trade, the San Francisco 49ers received the Chargers' first-round pick and fourth-round pick in this year's draft and their fifth-round pick in next year's draft.

San Francisco selected Oregon defensive lineman ArikArmstead with the No. 17 pick on Thursday.

According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, the Chargers had been "telling everyone" that they would not select a running back and even canceled a visit with Gordon.

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Last season Gordon rushed for 2,587 yards and 29 touchdowns, was named the Big Ten offensive player of the year and set the single-game FBS rushing record (the record was broken one week later by Oklahoma's Samaje Perine).

San Diego's selection of Gordon means two running backs have been selected in the first round of this year's draft after zero were taken in the two previous drafts.

The St. Louis Ramspicked Georgia standout Todd Gurley with the No. 10 pick.