The Cleveland Browns might have drafted Johnny Manziel to be the next face of their franchise, but the quarterback might not be as set up for success as he would like. The Browns bread and butter last year of throwing to wide receiver Josh Gordon who put up a career-high season despite having inconsistencies at the quarterback position. Now, Gordon is facing a year-long suspension which will leave the Browns very shorthanded.
Gordon has reportedly failed another drug test for marijuana and has been informed there is a possibility that he could miss all 16 games this season. Gordon led all Browns' receivers last year with 1,646 yards and nine touchdowns. He was the lone bright spot in their struggling offense. Losing Gordon is a big hit to the offense leaving many to think they would use a draft pick on a wide receiver for help. However, the Browns made six draft picks this year and none of them were a wide receiver.
"I would say that frustration is a natural part of it,'' general manager Ray Farmer said, via the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "I think that's what was felt and heard when that announcement was made, so I don't fault the fans for their reaction. I don't fault anyone for being disappointed. To that end, it's our job to make those decisions less painful. And in time, it's no different than if a player was going out during the offseason and broke an ankle or tore an ACL playing pickup hoops or doing something different. "We have to build a football team that can win regardless of who is missing. I think that's the charge that we have. That's my job, that's coach Pettine's job is to prepare this football team to win games regardless of who's missing."
The Browns have reportedly signed several non-drafted free agent wide receivers for help, but could have made several draft picks and opted not to. The passed on Sammy Watkins, Mike Evans, Odell Beckham Jr and others in favor of defensive picks and a quarterback. While that certainly fits the philosophy of drafting for the future, losing Gordon hurts now.
Farmer says he is not concerned about depth, but the Cleveland Plain Deal reports the Browns will likely look for a free agent or possibly a trade to help with the roster. Greg Little would become the best receiver on the roster, along with newly signed Nate Burleson. Andrew Hawkins will also be on the roster. Receivers like Santonio Holmes and Miles Austin are available. The Browns could also pull off a big trade deal depending on what training camp begins to look like. Mike Wallace with the Dolphins could be available, as could Danny Amendola with the Patriots if cap space is available.
