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With the ease at which information is transmitted in this modern day and age, players that otherwise would have had a low ADP and tantalizing upside are being forced up draft boards by consensus within the community that they are undervalued. However, if the masses recognize that some players are at an ADP that is below their projected value, oftentimes an overcorrection will ensue on draft boards, skyrocketing the draft day cost of the aforementioned player and making them no longer worth the selection.
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon has been a popular sleeper candidate this season due to his tantalizing upside and previous top level performances. However, having become an almost cult-like icon for the online fantasy football community, Gordon's ADP has risen to unforeseen and frankly unwarranted heights.
Below are some reasons why Josh Gordon's sleeper status is becoming a little too much in 2018.
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Pros for Josh Gordon
When he has been on the field, Josh Gordon has shown that he is a top-tier NFL talent. After bursting on the scene as a rookie wide receiver in 2012, a season that saw him reach 805 receiving yards and five touchdowns, Gordon was expected to improve in his sophomore campaign. What is most surprising is that in just 14 games, Gordon accumulated 1,646 yards and scored nine touchdowns. This was a truly tremendous season for Gordon as both a fantasy football player and real-life NFL option - the sky was the limit. Each week, NFL fans were treated to his elite speed-size combination as he dominated in all areas of the game.
However, suspensions have derailed his last four seasons in the league. After only playing five games in 2014, Gordon missed the entirety of the 2015 and 2016 seasons and only came back for the last five games of 2017. In those five games, Gordon was able to record 335 receiving yards and one touchdown, re-entering the scene as one of the team's top options.
With Cleveland in a seemingly much better position to succeed entering 2018, Gordon finally has the chance to solidify his name at the top of the NFL receiving totem pole once again. The question is, will he be able to take advantage of this golden opportunity?
Why Drafting Him Is Not Smart
Yes, Josh Gordon is a good NFL wide receiver. However, his current price at the top of the 4th round of fantasy drafts is absolutely ridiculous. First, let's discuss the competition that Gordon will have for targets in the Browns offense. Playing in front of either Tyrod Taylor or Baker Mayfield, Gordon will share receiving duties with receivers such as Jarvis Landry and Antonio Callaway (and maybe Dez Bryant?).
Even with Corey Coleman being traded away, Gordon still has to deal with a core of receivers who will each have a significant target share this season. Additionally, ascending tight end David Njoku and running backs Carlos Hyde, Nick Chubb, and Duke Johnson will also challenge for receptions in a loaded offense that should experience a major resurgence this season. With Landry expected to be the team's top receiver, Gordon will undoubtedly play a significant role in the offense, but one that is not as large as many fantasy football enthusiasts hope.
Additionally, with all of Gordon's suspensions and missed time this offseason due to the continuation of his rehabilitation program, he has to play catch up with the rest of the team - that is, if he is able to get on the field. With noncommittal statements from the Browns front office as to when Gordon will return and preliminary discussions to sign Dez Bryant, the signs are pointing against heavy involvement from the former Baylor player. Gordon officially has no timetable to return - this is not a position you want to be in as a player in the middle of the team's preseason when you are gearing up for your first full season since 2013.
When all is said and done, Josh Gordon is a good football player. However, the numerous obstacles - both on and off the pitch - could significantly hinder his chances at becoming a top option in the NFL and in fantasy football leagues in 2018. Therefore, spending your 4th round pick on a player with so many uncertainties is not something you want to end up doing on draft day. Gordon is truly an overhyped sleeper - don't buy into the hype, no matter how badly you want to.
