There's been quite a lot of discussion around the web on the airwaves on whether or not the Dallas Cowboys should place a high bid on former Baylor WR Josh Gordon. Gordon was suspended from Baylor in October 2010 for a marijuana arrest and sat out 2011 due to NCAA rules after transferring to Utah. Due to financial considerations, Gordon decided to enter the supplemental draft.
Now, each individual makes up their own mind on whether a misdemeanor weed charge is worth avoiding a talent such as Gordon. Just as each team will; they'll also decide what price they would pay for someone that hasn't played competitive football in almost two years. In a normal April draft, that would probably send someone down to the fourth or fifth round. However, Gordon is being projected to be bid anywhere between a late second and fourth rounder.
Will Dallas get involved? We'll find out Thursday, but the reports are they've done plenty of homework on the guy. I think it's rather silly that some writers are considering him for the third wide receiver role in 2012; but stranger things have happened (even though not under Garrett's tenure).
SBNation's draft site, Mocking The Draft, released their scouting report on Gordon today. Click the link to see specific notes on his route running, hands, release, size and speed. Here's Dan Kadar's final word following Gordon's Pro Day performance on Tuesday.
6'3, 224 pounds | Wide receiver | Baylor/Utah
Final word: Comparisons for Gordon have gone from one extreme to another. To me, he has the potential to be a player like Malcolm Floyd of the San Diego Chargers. There is no area in which Gordon is elite. He projects as a solid wide receiver, though he will be coming in behind the curve.
His off-field issues also have to be in consideration. He played sparingly as a freshman before shining as a sophomore. He was suspended at Baylor for a failed marijuana test. Left Baylor to go to Utah and sat out a year. Participated in fall practice with Utah last year, but was off the team before spring practice. Reportedly entered the Supplemental Draft due to financial reasons. Told the Houston Chronicle that his marijuana use "is behind him." Reportedly admitted to smoking in May but passed a drug test on July 7.
To expect a lot from Gordon as a rookie would be absurd. If he can put his off-field concerns behind him, though, Gordon should develop into a solid outside receiver. Most expect a team to chance a third-round pick on Gordon. It will be a lot to give up on a player who hasn't played since 2010.