Melvin Gordon signs rookie contract, works out with Chargers

SAN DIEGO (AP) Running back Melvin Gordon's head was swimming. It had nothing to do with a rare San Diego storm. ''It's overloaded right now,'' said Gordon,

SAN DIEGO (AP) Running back Melvin Gordon's head was swimming. It had nothing to do with a rare San Diego storm.

''It's overloaded right now,'' said Gordon, the Chargers' top draft pick.

Gordon, the 15th overall selection, participated Friday in the first of three minicamp practices for Chargers rookies after signing his first contract. He was the last of the team's five picks to sign and most eyes were on Gordon, the former Wisconsin star and Heisman Trophy finalist.

''It went well and I'm just trying to learn everything,'' said the 6-foot-1, 215-pound Gordon. ''The calls and the protections and things like that. Just play as fast as I can but also know what I need to do.''

Chargers coach Mike McCoy said players weren't going full speed. ''We were just doing an introduction and making sure everyone has a hat on a hat and everyone is running to the right spot,'' he said. ''But he (Gordon) made a few of those moves, those cuts, and you understand why we picked him where we did.''

Gordon's role is clear: Resurrect last season's running game, which ranked No. 30 in yards and 31st in yards per carry.

That's why San Diego flipped first-round picks with the 49ers and surrendered two other selections to climb two spots and draft Gordon.

''The coaches are doing a good job of bringing me along,'' said Gordon, who rushed for 2,587 yards and scored 32 touchdowns last year. ''You just have to go out there and be yourself, but don't try to be crazy, especially how the weather is.''

The slick conditions and emphasis on instruction made for a tepid pace. That changes when the veterans arrive on Monday.

''It was more about teaching the players on how we are going to do things,'' McCoy said of the workout. ''They don't have an idea which way right and left is right now. We are just going with a slower tempo and just teaching our players this is how we want to work every day and take baby steps in this whole thing.''

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