The Browns enter Thursday night's first round of the 2012 NFL Draft with two picks in the top 22, and many expect Tom Heckert to zero in on the offensive side of the ball with both picks. Cleveland certainly has needs at all the offensive skill positions, and a variety of mock drafts think they will choose a running back, wide receiver, or even quarterback with their two first round selections.
The latest edition of Mocking The Draft's first round projection has Trent Richardson going No. 4 overall. Dan Kadar thinks Richardson is simply too elite a talent to pass up, especially consider the current running back situation in Berea. Via Mocking The Draft:
Any number of players here would help the Browns, but none more so than Richardson. It's true, Cleveland's front office leaders Mike Holmgren and Tom Heckert have never drafted a running back this high. But when your running backs are Montario Hardesty, Chris Ogbonnaya and Armond Smith, an elite prospect like Richardson may be difficult to pass up. The Browns will also be considering Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon and Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
With their second first round selection at No. 22, Kadar thinks the Browns will fill another need at an offensive skill position, selecting Baylor wideout Kendall Wright. He has tumbled a bit in recent mock drafts after several originally projected him at No. 22. Kadar, however, thinks the Browns will still target Wright:
Forget his body fat index or 40 time. No wide receiver in this year's draft can get separation and make plays like Wright. Even though Colt McCoy doesn't have the strongest arm, Wright will find a way to get open for the Browns.
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