The Browns drafting Josh Gordon, a wasted pick?

Many are suggesting that the Cleveland Browns have a great interest in wide receiver Josh Gordon, great enough that they may make a run for him in this years Supplemental Draft. There are those that look at the Supplemental Draft as a list of "no touch" players given they are usually in this draft via off field issues, character issues and financial reasons.

The Browns have acquired only one player from the Supplemental Draft, Bernie Kosar. Taken in the first round in 1985, Kosar would become what many consider the "face of the franchise". Playing 12 seasons Kosar would throw for over 23,000 yards while playing in 126 games, 108 of which he started. Yes, Clevelands' one and only "grab" from the draft was a hit, but what about Josh Gordon and the chances of getting a quality wide receiver.

By no means can you compare Gordon to any receiver taken in the Supplemental Draft since he has yet, if ever, played a single down in the NFL. Reading the opinions of numerous sports writers one can get the opinion that quality players cannot be found in said draft, especially elite receivers. The thought that one should resist making a bid for a receiver in this draft and wait until next years NFL Draft to assure a quality receiver has merit, but doesn't always ring true--just ask Cris Carter!

Cris Carter was taken in the fourth round in 1987 by Philadelphia. After playing 16 seasons in the NFL Carter would score 131 touchdowns and 13,899 yards on 1,101 receptions, which ranks fourth in career receptions. Carter made eight Pro Bowl appearances on his way to being a five-time Hall of Fame finalist. Not to shabby for a guy Chris Berman of ESPN coined "All he does is catch touchdowns".

Any draft pick is a gamble whether it be in the NFL Draft or the Supplemental Draft, however the thought that players taken in the latter will not amount to a "hill of beans" could not be further from the truth. Just ask Bernie and Cris !!

A.J. Hunley--Senior Writer, AFC North
A.J. is Senior Writer and Editor for both the AFC North Report and the Cleveland Browns Report. He has been writing articles for several years, many of which have been featured on numerous high-profile websites. A.J. can be followed on Twitter, and you can join him on his Facebook Fan Page-- Cleveland Browns Report