Josh Gordon: Predictions for Talented WR's Rookie Season in Cleveland

The Cleveland Browns may need Josh Gordon as soon as possible, but don't expect the former Baylor wide receiver to start making Pro Bowls right away. 

Mike Holmgren, Tom Heckert and company made it painfully clear just how high their interest in Gordon was when they selected him in the second round of the NFL supplemental draft. No other team put in a second-round bid for Gordon.

But while that may have been a little early for the wide receiver who has had his trouble getting on a football field, it's certainly necessary for the Browns.

They just drafted a quarterback they trust for the future in Brandon Weeden. They also just drafted a dynamite running back in Trent Richardson. They have a talented wide receiver in Greg Little. The main piece left to the puzzle is a No. 1 receiver to complement Little. 

Gordon has a chance to be that piece.

Yes, he is raw and yes, he has only played one season in college football, but the tools are certainly there. Robert Griffin III's former passing mate is big, fast and has solid hands.

While there is more to becoming a true No. 1 receiver, Gordon certainly has the most important tools. With that being said, let's take a look at what to expect from him during his rookie year. 

Catches

While Gordon does indeed have size and speed, the drawback most teams had is that he isn't quite ready for the NFL.

What I mean by that is his route-running ability, for now, pretty much consists of running straight. Gordon doesn't have the highest football IQ, and because of that, don't expect him to be making a ton of catches in the middle of the field. 

He'll connect on bombs every once in a while, along with the occasional screen, but this isn't Wes Welker out there. Of course, that's not why the Browns drafted him, either.

Prediction: 35

Yards

Again, this isn't someone who is going to be running a lot of curls, slants or anything of that nature. At least for the first couple of years, he is going to represent big-play ability and not much else. 

Expect his yards-per-catch average to be quite high as his production will likely mirror someone like Demaryius Thomas. 

Prediction: 595

Touchdowns

Expect him to score on a few long touchdowns and maybe one or two jump-balls, as the Browns will try to utilize his 6'3" frame. 

Prediction: 4

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