This roller coaster ride could be built only in Cleveland.
Initially sitting in the fourth spot of this year's draft, the Browns had the freedom to move in almost any direction so long as they could find a trade partner or a player worthy of the fourth overall selection. Ultimately, Cleveland swapped this pick to the Bills, who 2,300 season tickets within 36 hours and the support of Cleveland's hero and villain while saving his pizza. If his left arm continues to be fragile, then the Browns will be without their best hope of a number one wide receiver.
Aside from Burleson and Little, the Browns have a slew of inexperienced receivers, tight ends, and running backs. And that's what they're currently working with as they inch closer to the start of the 2014 season.
What Can We Expect?
Unfortunately, things don't look as promising for the Browns as they did after the first round of the draft. If Gordon does miss the entire season (or even a significant portion), then the Browns take a mighty hit. Even with Gordon and Cameron, Cleveland finished just 22nd in Adjusted Passing NEP per play (-0.04) and 25th in Adjusted NEP per play (-0.03) a season ago.
The arrival of Ben Tate might open up space if he can establish himself on the ground, but don't expect him to be effective catching the ball, as Tate ranked last in both Target NEP (-12.28) and Reception NEP (0.27) among the 47 backs with at least 20 receptions last season. Terrance West, a big back from Towson drafted in the third round this year, has shown good hands during his college career and could be relied upon, but he won't be able to make up for Gordon.
Cleveland has to make a move either by trade or free agency to help whichever young quarterback is declared the starter heading into the season because Cameron is the only above average pass-catcher on the roster aside from Gordon.
The Browns have improved their roster overall through the draft, selecting two cornerbacks (Gilbert and Pierre Desir), Manziel, an offensive tackle (Joel Bitonio), an outside linebacker (Christian Kirksey), and a running back (West). And as a result, Cleveland's future will likely be contingent on this draft class - Manziel, Gilbert, and Bitonio could become franchise players along with Gordon, Cameron, Joe Haden, and Joe Thomas. But in the short-term, taking Bitonio over wide receivers Marqise Lee and Jordan Matthews might result in another disappointing ride for the Browns in 2014.