Will the Cowboys be players in the 2012 Supplemental Draft?
With training camp less than a month away, we at the Landry Hat have spent countless hours pouring over the Cowboys roster, depth chart, position battles, bubble players, scheme changes, and even the “new” uniforms this year. One of the biggest question marks for our Cowboys is who claims the 3rd, 4th, and 5th (possibly a 6th) WR positions. With the league trending towards being more pass-happy in recent years, the importance of having quality depth at the WR position has been more important than ever.
With the top two spots being held by Miles Austin and Dez Bryant (and maybe not exactly in that order), there are three (and possibly four) spots up for grabs, and currently there is no clear cut winner. Adding more talent to that pool is neccessary, and should be considered if the price is right.
The talent I am referring to is former Baylor Bears WR Josh Gordon, who is entering this year’s supplemental draft. Standing at 6’4″, and roughly 225lbs, Gordon is a big body, and can add to the large, physical nature of the Cowboys current receivers. He also has more speed than most of the Cowboys receivers. Last timed at the high 4.3 range, speed like that is nothing to turn your nose up at.
In 2010, Gordon caught 42 passes for over 700 yards and seven touchdowns. He did not return to play for Baylor in 2011 because he was suspended indefinitely during the pre-season for violation of team policy. Gordon was arrested in 2010 for possession of marijuana, and it is unknown whether the suspension was related. It is also unknown whether Gordon was actually in possession of the stated marijuana at the time, or if it was a circumstance of “wrong place, wrong time”. Regardless, the red flag is there, and he will have to answer for it during the interviews with scouts, and coaches this week.
Gordon was the 2nd leading receiver for the Baylor Bears in 2010, but didn’t play a down for the Utah Utes after sitting out the entire season. Players in the supplemental draft typically always have a catch, or some reason why they did not enter the regular draft. I expect Jason Garrett and Co. to do their homework, but I can already feel his name being crossed off the list because he isn’t the “RKG” (Right Kind of Guy) and has some character flaws.
This, is where I think the Cowboys will be making a mistake. Don’ cross his name off your list. Make a bid, even if it is a cheap bid. I could justify the Cowboys giving up a 5th round pick or later to land this athlete. He will need some mentoring, and coaching. He will need some time to adjust to the game, because he hasn’t played football for well over a year. This is the same case with Dez Bryant only two years ago and he is primed to have a breakout season.
Recently, the most notable player to be selected through the supplemental draft was last year when The Oakland Raiders gave up a third round pick to select suspended Ohio State Quarterback, Terrell Pryor. The Cowboys drafted Josh Brent in the supplemental draft, and he looks to spell Ratliff and get some quality snaps, trying to keep Ratliff fresh towards the end of the season. Getting Josh Gordon for the cost of a 5th round pick or later would be a steal considering his upside. Yes, Gordon is not your prototypical RKG, but with enough leadership on the team, and surrounding him with the RKG, Gordon can become an RKG himself and solidify this receiving corps. as one of the deepest in the league.
Happy 4th of July everyone. Enjoy this middle of the week holiday and please don’t burn your eyebrows off with sparklers…
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