NFL Supplemental Draft 2012 Results: Browns Gave Up Too Much for Josh Gordon

The Cleveland Browns were the only team to utilize a supplemental draft pick, selecting Josh Gordon in the second round. Although the Browns offense is in need of a serious boost, it's a major risk that wasn't worth taking.

By picking Gordon, Cleveland is forced to give up its second-round selection in next year's draft. That's a high price to pay for a wide receiver who only had one productive season in college and has off-field problems in his past.

Gordon caught 42 passes for over 700 yards and seven touchdowns in his breakout season at Baylor. But that was two years ago already. He was suspended prior to the following season and never played another collegiate snap before declaring for the supplemental draft.

No matter how much training a player does on their own, it's impossible to simulate game action, which means it's going to take some time before he's back up to full speed. And even then it's hard to predict exactly how productive he'll be at the next level.

Gordon immediately becomes the second most talented wideout on the roster. But there's a difference between talent and skill. Gordon's ability is still raw and he'll need time to develop, meaning the risk for getting buried on the depth chart is certainly there.

Making matters worse is the fact the Browns are already trying to work in a rookie quarterback, as well. Brandon Weeden has a lot on his plate and some really good defenses in his division waiting to eat him alive at the first opportunity.

Adding a young, inexperienced receiver to the mix simply makes things even more difficult for him. Gordon is months beyond in terms of learning the playbook and getting on the same page with his QB, which is often more important then pure talent anyway.

Unfortunately for the Browns, by taking him so early they are basically forced to throw him to the fire right away to show some type of return on investment. If he flames out and ends up on the bench, it's another setback for the offense.

In reality, Gordon would have been much better served getting taken in the fourth or fifth round. At that point the risk is far less because those rounds in the normal draft are usually reserved for high-upside or depth selection anyway.

Every misstep gets magnified as the Browns try to become competitive in a tough division. There's a good chance Gordon will fall into that category based on his draft position.