Browns 2012 Draft Preview - Trent Richardson

Alabama's Trent Richardson is an absolute beast at running back.  There is no denying that.  However with the increased emphasis on the passing game and some of the leagues best backs taken in the 2nd round or later, there has been some debate about whether or not the Browns, or any team, should take a running back this high.

Reasons Browns will draft him:  He's the complete package--he can run, catch, and block.  Some have said he's the best back to come out of college since Adrian Peterson.  And with Peyton Hillis gone and the next best RB on the roster the oft-injured Montario Hardesty, the Browns desperately need to upgrade their running game.  Richardson would start from day one, take some heat off of Colt McCoy, and open up the passing game because defenses would need to put additional defenders in the box.  Plus, no matter how important the passing game has become, you need to be able to run the ball in Cleveland in December.

Reasons Browns won't take him:  He's a running back, and RBs generally have a short shelf life.   Those picked in the first rounds the past few drafts haven't been any better than those picked in later rounds.  The Browns have a lot of needs, and other players could address them.

Likelihood the Brown take him: High.  Most mock drafts have him going to the Browns.  On ESPN Radio's Mike & Mike show on Friday, draft analyst Todd McShay said that after Luck and Griffith, he thinks Richardson to the Browns is the "most sure thing" in his mock.