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The Cleveland Browns went out on a limb last season and chose wide receiver Josh Gordon in the second round of the 2013 Supplemental Draft, forfeiting their second round pick in the upcoming 2013 NFL Draft. Gordon, 22, played well last season despite not having much time to learn the offense. He played in all 16 games, caught 50 passes for a team-leading 805 yards and five touchdowns and became a legitimate threat as the season wore on.
This season, Gordon should be able to build on what was a strong rookie season and could become the receiving threat that the Browns have desperately needed over the years. One big plus should be the full off-season program that Gordon will participate in. Last season he did not have that luxury. Brandon Weeden and Gordon seemed to develop a rapport fairly quickly last season. If Weeden remains the quarterback next year they could make a lot of noise in 2013. However, Weeden’s status is unknown at this point with the current regime led by head coach Rob Chudzinski and offensive coordinator Norv Turner might be looking for a new quarterback.
Regardless of who the Browns have under center, Gordon should emerge as a legitimate target and live up to the hype that surrounded him heading into the Supplemental Draft. Gordon has the ability to stretch a defense which could help open up the intermediate passing game as well as the running game led by last year’s top pick Trent Richardson.
Even with the uncertainty at quarterback the Browns’ future is starting to look up. Gordon and Richardson are a huge part of that promise. The Browns could make their offense even better depending on whom they select with the sixth overall pick. The Browns have not had a true receiving threat since Braylon Edwards and Edwards was ultimately a disappointment with the Browns despite leading the team in receiving for three straight years. Gordon has the ability and the opportunity to be everything Edwards, who was the third overall pick in the 2005 Draft, wasn’t.
Time will tell if Gordon will live up to the hype. However, he is off to a good start and the future only looks brighter.
