In Don Banks' 2012 NFL Mock Draft 5.0 for Sports Illustrated, the Cleveland Browns select Trent Richardson with the fourth overall pick and former Ohio State offensive lineman Mike Adams with the 22nd pick.
Richardson is the only running back projected to go in the first round of the NFL Draft. After losing Peyton Hillis to free agency, the Browns need a feature back to take some pressure off Colt McCoy, or whoever will play quarterback for the Browns this season.
Not only is Richardson a powerful rusher and blocker, but he also has good hands and can catch passes out of the backfield. Here's what Banks had to say about the pick:
You're starting to hear some draft experts characterize Richardson as the guy who is better at his position than anyone else is at theirs in their entire lottery, quarterbacks included. That kind of thing should give Mike Holmgren and Co. a sense of peace about making this pick.
If Colt McCoy is going to improve behind center this season, Cleveland will have to protect him much better. McCoy was sacked 32 times last season. Adams, a 6-foot-7 314-pound right tackle, could fill a major hole on the right side of the offensive line. Via Banks:
By taking the 6-foot-7, 314-pound Buckeyes tackle, the Browns would be getting a player ready from day one to plug in and play on the right side of their line. Better protection for quarterback Colt McCoy should help the third-year quarterback progress.
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