Atlanta Falcons Should Still Consider Randy Gregory

Nov 16, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) is pressured by Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 24-20. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Houston or Josh Gordon?

You have the case of Josh Gordon, a supplemental draft pick who has failed so many drug tests that he is now suspended for an entire season and who’s career is now in jeopardy.

Then you have the case of Justin Houston, a player with a first-round pedigree that fell in the draft due to a failed drug test at the combine. He is now a perennial All-Pro and the best pass rusher in the NFL, with no problems since joining the league.

Then you have the case of Justin Houston, a player with a first-round pedigree that fell due to a failed drug test at the combine. He is now a perennial All-Pro and the best pass rusher in the NFL.

What is the difference between these two players? Was it their personalities or their level of dependence/addiction to cannabis? Or was it that one went to a situation in which he had a solid support system, with a good consistent coaching staff and strong locker room, and the other did not?

It’s impossible to say whether or not Gordon and Houston were helped by differences in personality or willpower, or if one was perhaps more dependent on cannabis than the other (for those who are unaware, cannabis does not have a physical method of addiction but can still be psychologically addicting, like gambling).

Nov 30, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon (12) during the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

But I think that the fact that Justin Houston went to Kansas City, where he was surrounded by a strong locker room and a consistent coaching staff, played a major role in his ability to be successful.

Meanwhile, Josh Gordon went to Cleveland, where there is a different head coach and staff every season and the locker room is in a constant state of transition.

If Randy Gregory were to go to the Falcons, he’d have that support system. Atlanta is a lot more like Kansas City than Cleveland, with excellent leadership in Matt Ryan and a player-centric coaching staff headlined by Dan Quinn. If anyone can keep Gregory on the right path, Atlanta is the place.

I’d also like to argue that Gregory is probably more similar to Houston than Gordon. It takes courage to admit you have a problem, and Gregory himself revealed he had failed his drug test at the combine.

While Gregory had failed drug tests previously while at Nebraska, he was considered to be a good teammate and hard worker. Gordon, on the other hand, was suspended twice from Baylor’s football program, the second being an indefinite suspension.

Gregory could turn into either Justin Houston or Josh Gordon. If I was a betting man, I’d put my money on Houston.

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