Josh Gordon returns to Brown’s: thoughts on where to draft him and effect on Landry

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His secondary metrics, however, present a much stronger case. Gordon finished WR2 in average depth of target (17.5) and totaled 2.09 yards per route (WR13). He routinely obliterated various defensive alignments. According to Matt Harmon’s Reception Perception, his 87 percent success rate versus zone looks, primarily accumulated on quick-hitting slants, was off the charts. Most astonishing, he was one of seven WRs to finish the year inside the top-13 in success rates versus press and man coverage. The others to achieve the feat: Beckham, Tyreek, Antonio Brown, Keenan Allen, Michael Thomas and Stefon Diggs. Good company. Not to be overlooked, he tallied a 75 percent success rate on nine and post routes, which made up 38.5 percent of his overall tree. And all of that was accomplished with a quarterback, Kizer, who couldn’t hit a parked 18-wheeler from five yards out. Chew on this, Gordon ranked WR86 in catchable target percentage.

Ignore the surface numbers. Under the microscope Gordon immediately regained “elite” status in many areas.

Organized offseason. Structure is paramount for anyone with a bumpy past. It keeps one focused and away from pitfalls. For the first time since the months leading up to his breakthrough campaign in 2013, Gordon participated in the team’s full offseason program. On campus at Browns facilities, he was prompt, reportedly worked his tail off, a training regimen the receiver called “six quarters mentality,” and grew muscles kinesiologists were probably unaware existed. Forget Hawkeye, Gordon, on physique alone, is the real forgotten Avenger.

His time at franchise headquarters reportedly boosted his confidence and competitive nature while also helping him establish a rapport with new coaches and teammates, invaluable continuity that should have him hit the ground running come September.

QB upgrades. The Browns, who’ve featured 16 different starting QBs since Gordon joined the team six years ago, traded in a dilapidated Airstream for a suburban home in the hills. Tyrod Taylor and Baker Mayfield are massive advancements. Disagree? From 2015-2017, Taylor ranked QB7 in deep-ball rate (21.2%). He rarely uncorked downfield in Buffalo last year, but he didn’t have a weapon the caliber of Gordon. Remember how effective he was with a healthy Sammy Watkins in 2015? According to Pro Football Focus, he slotted at QB9 in accuracy percentage on passes beyond 20 yards posting the second-highest QB rating (109.5) on those deep throws. When surrounded with suitable field stretchers the veteran can flick it.

Mayfield’s all-field marksmanship also shouldn’t be underestimated. With Oklahoma last year, the greenhorn ranked top-10 in every completion percentage category imaginable, including top billing in deep-ball connections. It’s no surprise the No. 1 overall pick has impressed in camp displaying a strong, on-time delivery and solid command of the offense. When Hue Jackson inevitably inserts him into the lineup, the offense won’t skip a beat. He’s the remedy to Cleveland’s seemingly endless QB woes.

It’s no stretch to think in Todd Haley’s pass-first offense, a scheme that aggressively attacks defenses with explosive pass plays no matter what the scoreboard says, Taylor (or Baker) tosses to Gordon will at times take on the appearance of Big Ben-to-Brown.

Less is more. With short-field vacuum, and future motivational speaker, Jarvis Landry, Duke Johnson, David Njoku and Antonio Callaway (?) on roster, Haley has many egos to satisfy. It’s the main reason why fantasy owners are shying away from Gordon. His 26.4 percent targets share from ’17 is unsustainable, but even a modest reduction in workload isn’t a death knell. In fact, with defenses forced to account for others around him, he’s bound to draw occasional premium coverage; exploitable man-on-man situations. Last year, he tallied a 70 percent success rate (WR13) in such scenarios.

In the likely event he attracts 22-23 percent of the QB looks, he’s in an advantageous position to make the most of his opportunities. Duplicating what a Marvin Jones (WR11 in .5 PPR) or Doug Baldwin (WR14) achieved last fall on 105-115 total targets is absolutely conceivable.

Described as “unstoppable,” “a physical freak” and “never seen anything like him” this summer by teammates, the recharged former All-Pro is everything fantasy owners should want. The downsides associated with Gordon are obvious, but those who chase the river in Round 5 or later in 12-team drafts could wind up stacking ‘ships.

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I’m keeping him with a 12

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NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy reports Josh Gordon hasn't been cleared to practice.
Gordon is still in Stage 3 of the league's substance abuse program and needs to pass certain conditions before practicing. It's possible not meeting the conditions are why Gordon delayed reporting to training camp. The league "doesn't have a timetable" on Gordon's next step. Gordon can attend meetings and do off-field work, but he's not out of the woods yet.
Source: Tom Pelissero on Twitter Aug 18 - 1:16 PM

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