Browns Pick Controversial Antonio Callaway in 2018 NFL Draft; Joins Josh Gordon
April 28, 2018
The Cleveland Browns selected University of Florida wide receiver Antonio Callaway with the 105th overall pick of the 2018 NFL draft Saturday.
The Browns have made offense a point of emphasis in this draft, taking quarterback Baker Mayfield No. 1 overall and running back Nick Chubb in the second round.
Here's what Twitter thought of the Browns taking a chance on Callaway in the fourth round of the draft:
Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported Tuesday the sample Callaway provided for drug testing during the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis was diluted and noted the receiver "told those close to him he was over-hydrated and will address the issue with teams."
The news created an extra layer of uncertainty in the days leading up to the draft.
Callaway previously sat out the entire 2017 season with the Gators. He was suspended for the season after credit card fraud charges led him to enter a pretrial intervention program in October. If successfully completed, the third-degree felony charge against him would be dismissed.
In August 2016, an independent hearing officer cleared the Gators wideout of sexually assaulting a female student in December 2015.
Matt Jennings of SEC Country obtained the written decision, which said Callaway admitted he was under the influence of marijuana at the time, but he testified the encounter was consensual.
Callaway told Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times last month "all those situations could've been prevented" and that he's committed to change after recently becoming a father.
"It's bigger than me," he said. "It ain't about me. I got a little girl. I just had her three weeks ago. I've got four little sisters. A single mom. I got to make it happen. I can't be out here making mistakes and throwing myself in bad situations."
Callaway had 89 catches for 1,399 yards and seven touchdowns across 26 games with Florida. He added three return scores and one TD each via passing and rushing.
The Browns have experience working with troubled receivers, specifically Josh Gordon. That hasn't always worked out due to his off-field issues, but when he plays, the production has been incredible.
Cleveland general manager John Dorsey took a chance on Tyreek Hill in the fifth round with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2016. He will be hoping to land another big-time playmaker for the Browns with Callaway.