Browns projected to take guard Chance Warmack, according to ESPN's Todd McShay

ESPN's Todd McShay released his first mock draft ahead of the 2013 NFL Draft this week, and the Cleveland Browns are projected to take Alabama guard Chance Warmack in the first round.

This is not the sexiest pick and Browns fans probably would express some frustration initially, but Warmack is a flat-out stud who would instantly improve their offensive line. He is one of the best guards I've ever evaluated, an easy mover in pass protection who shows plenty of smarts and is also a nasty run-blocker. Cleveland RB Trent Richardson (a former teammate of Warmack) and QB Brandon Weeden would surely offer their stamps of approval.

Warmack has been one of the key contributors on an Alabama offensive line that is one of the best units in all of college football, if not the best. Alabama rushed for over 224 yards per game this season, and allowed less than two sacks per game.

McShay thinks Browns fans may not be overly enthusiastic about the prospect of taking an offensive lineman in the first round this year, but the thought of pairing Warmack with Joe Thomas on the left side of the offensive line should be exciting when the team has Trent Richardson to run through those holes.

The first round of the 2013 NFL Draft will be on Thursday, April 25, in New York City.