In SportingNews' annual beat writers Mock Draft, Steve Doerschuk of the Canton Repository selected former Alabama running back Trent Richardson for the Cleveland Browns with the No. 4 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. Via Doerschuk:
The win-starved Browns (18-46 over the past four years) need to appease their fans and feed their game plans ASAP. Richardson is the choice over Justin Blackmon because running backs make a difference sooner than wideouts—especially one this good.
According to most draft experts, the Browns decision will likely come down to Richardson or Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon. Both are considered the top prospect at their respective positions; however, Richardson is being touted as the best running back in the draft since Adrian Peterson in 2007, while most scouts don't think Blackmon will quite measure up to recent wide receiver prospects such as Calvin Johnson, Julio Jones or A.J. Green.
The decision will ultimately come down to which position the Browns offense values more.
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