In Greg Cosell's first 2012 NFL Mock Draft on NFL.com, he projects the Cleveland Browns taking former Alabama running back Trent Richardson with the fourth overall pick and former LSU wide receiver Reuben Randle. Cosell's mock draft is based on his own film study and assessment of team needs.
Here's what Cosell had to say about the fourth pick:
4. Cleveland: The Browns select my highest rated player, RB Trent Richardson. Richardson is a special runner, the best to enter the NFL since Adrian Peterson. Cleveland will not compete in the AFC North trying to outscore Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Cincinnati. They will not sustain offense throwing the ball. They must shorten the game, limit the number of snaps their defense is on the field, and try to win 17-14. You need a foundation back to do that.
There are some draft experts that believe the Browns will take Ryan Tannehill with this pick, but Richardson seems to the safer, more sensible pick. Tannehill is not ready to take over a team right away, especially one without any weapons on the offense. Richardson will certainly makes things easier for Colt McCoy. Randle, with the 22nd pick, will also help McCoy, according to Cosell:
22. Cleveland: The pick here is LSU WR Rueben Randle. Having chosen Richardson at #4, the Browns now select the big (6’3", 210 pounds) and athletic Randle. He pairs with another big WR, Greg Little, Cleveland’s second round pick a year ago, to give the Browns a young and physically imposing tandem that is a nice scheme fit in the Pat Shurmur/Brad Childress version of the West Coast offense.
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