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Fresh off a career performance in a Week 13 victory over the Oakland Raiders, Cleveland Browns rookie wideout Josh Gordon continues to turn heads after entering the league as a largely unwanted commodity just months ago.
Tabbed a character concern by every franchise in the NFL after failing drug tests at both Utah and Baylor, Gordon was not selected until the second round of the NFL's Supplemental Draft by the Browns, a choice that effectively stripped Cleveland of its 2013 second-round pick in the process. Despite being an immense risk at the time and also threatening to limit the organization's growth in a key draft, the Browns somehow look to have uncovered a true gem in the once-troubled wide receiver.
"There's a lot more eyes on me compared to other guys," Gordon told Tom Withers of The Associated Press. "A lot of people either expect a downfall or expect another type of mess-up or are waiting for a slipup. I came in trying to be mature about it, and that's how I approach it every day."
In addition to leading all rookies in receiving yardage with 646, Gordon is one of the most prolific big-play threats in the league with 12 receptions greater than 20 yards. And while some around the country still may not know what the 6'3, 225-pound Gordon is capable of from a physical standpoint, his teammates are fully aware of the type of talent they have on their hands.
"He's talented, he's tall, he's long, he's fast, he can catch the ball well," quarterback Brandon Weeden said. "The sky is the limit for that guy. I'm glad he's on our side."