Josh Gordon: Wide Receiver Worth the Risk for Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns picked Josh Gordon in the second round of the NFL supplemental draft, and the wide receiver’s tremendous upside is worth the risk for the team.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the news. By taking Gordon, the Browns will forfeit their second-round pick in the 2013 draft.

Gordon started his college career at Baylor. He did not play much in his freshman season in 2009, but he caught 42 passes for 714 yards and seven touchdowns in 2010. 

He was suspended the following summer after testing positive for marijuana, as noted by Schefter. He transferred to Utah and sat out this past season, according to NCAA rules, but declared for the draft before ever taking the field for the Utes. 

Gordon is a physical freak. As noted by ESPN Cleveland’s Tony Grossi, the wideout measured at just over 6’3” and 224 pounds then ran the 40-yard dash in 4.52 seconds at his pro day earlier this week. 

Schefter, in a separate report, referred to Gordon as “a rare talent as far as supplemental drafts go.” He was the only player selected in the first two rounds of the supplemental draft. 

Gordon’s physical tools make him an elite prospect, but he has had only one season of college football to show that he can turn these skills into on-field production. 

He is still a very raw player, but the Browns made the right move by taking a chance on him.

Cleveland is thin at the wide receiver position and ranked 24^th in the NFL in passing offense last season.

But they made important additions in the draft including quarterback Brandon Weeden, wide receiver Travis Benjamin and running back Trent Richardson, who is an excellent pass catcher.

Benjamin is a smaller, quicker player who is already a solid route-runner. Gordon, in contrast, still lacks polish as a receiver.

While he may not be an impact player immediately, his size and athleticism will still make him useful as a deep threat. This will allow him to get on the field as he improves his skills as a receiver.

Cleveland is showing that they are going to put talent around Weeden and avoid making the same mistakes they made with Colt McCoy.

This move proves that Mike Holmgren and the front office are willing to take risks in order to give their new quarterback a chance to succeed. 

This was a smart and calculated risk by the Browns, and they added a player with a chance to be a star in the NFL.