Cleveland Browns 2012 off-Season: 7 Round Mock Draft

Once again the Cleveland Browns watched the NFL playoffs from home. Since their return in 1999, the Browns have only had one playoff game experience.

Pat Shurmur had a miserable 4-12 rookie campaign and general manager Tom Heckert, along with President Mike Holmgren, will try to add more talent to the roster. The Browns lacked big-play potential on both sides of the ball.

With a top-five draft pick and two in the first round, the Browns have a chance to change that in one offseason. Coupled with quality veteran free agents, the Browns will compete to be one of the playoff teams coming out of the AFC North, a division that produced three playoff teams this past season.

This draft fills many needs for a struggling offense. It provides offensive-line depth, which is greatly needed. It provides stability to the starting right side of the line, adds a premier pass rusher and run stuffer to an already quality defense and, oh ya, a game-changing running back, (maybe two) who solve offensive worries over night.

Round 1-4: Trent Richardson (RB, Alabama)

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Although many mock drafts have the Browns trading this pick, the Browns will benefit the most from selecting the superstar running back from national champion Alabama.

The Browns need a playmaker and Trent Richardson will have immediately. Colt McCoy may not be a pro-bowl quarterback, but the weapons surrounding him did not help in the slightest.

Round 1-22: Nick Perry (DE, USC)

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The Browns added two defensive lineman in last year's draft. They both started and played very well for a rookie tandem.

It is time to solidify the line and be able to build a great AFC North defense around the exceptional D-line. (See the Detroit Lions). Nick Perry put up a huge senior season and may not be available when the Browns make their second selection, but a player like Perry will be available and the Browns should not pass on the opportunity.

Round 2-5: Barrett Jones (RT, Alabama)

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Adding playmakers is vital for the Browns, but they will not be of any use if the right side of the offensive line is paper thin.

Barrett Jones blocked for Trent Richardson the last three seasons and has gone up against some of the best SEC defensive ends on a consistent basis. Other right tackles will be available, like Zebrie Sanders from Florida State, and should be selected with the early second-round pick.

Round 3-4: LaMichael James (RB/WR, Oregon)

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As stated earlier, playmakers are needed. What a weapon LaMichael James would be for this offense. He has big-play ability every time he touches the ball and would thrive in a west coast offense built on run after catch.

There is a strong possibility he will be available at this pick; he would be a wise risk to take.

Round 4-5: Brandon Washington (G, Miami)

Depth along the offensive line has been a problem for the Browns since their return in 1999. Building depth through the draft is the model of success in the NFL, and the Browns should not try to reinvent the wheel.

Washington has been a solid starter at right guard at U of Miami. With the uncertainty of an Eric Steinbach return, added attention is needed along the offensive line.

Round 4-23: Mike Ryan (G, UCONN)

Not much more needs to be said about Ryan that isn't true for the past pick. It is still a need, and, although the Browns could add a starter through free agency, depth is what is important. The Browns could end this streak of incapable reserves along the offensive line in one draft and should not be taking the opportunity lightly.

Round 5-4: Devier Posey (WR, Ohio State)

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Finally, there is some more excitement to this draft.

Devier Posey is an impressive talent who will fall heavily in the draft for his off-the-field issues and chaotic senior season. When he is on the field, he is a reliable pass catcher and is a value pick at No. 132.

The Browns need receivers, and, although Posey may never be a No. 1 option, he is certainly better than most of what the Browns currently have on the roster.

Round 6-5: Brandon Weeden (QB, Oklahoma St)

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Although Weeden may go higher in the draft, this is where I see the Browns selecting a project QB. Weeden, if available, would be a great selection. He is mature at 28 years of age and was on a winning collegiate team. If nothing else, he relates to Colt McCoy, both being from Texas, and will push Colt to be better or lose his job.

Round 7-4: Art Forst (G, Rutgers)

To end the draft the Browns return to providing depth to protect McCoy. Three offensive lineman in one draft seems a bit much, but for a Browns team that seems to have more injuries than first downs, a solid backup group of lineman is needed to hold off a tough AFC North division.

Conclusion

Although the draft would fix a lot of offensive problems, a No. 1 receiver would transform this offense just as much as Trent Richardson has the ability to do.

The defense still needs work to compete in the AFC North. The Cleveland Browns ranked second in pass defense last season—but nearly second to last in rush defense. The quality of play from the line backers and holes in the defensive line are primarily to blame.

The addition of Nick Perry through the draft will help, but an outstanding linebacker is needed for this defense to excel. The Browns secondary had a great season; however, a cornerback opposite Joe Haden proved to be trouble against the heavy passing teams of the NFL.

The Browns also have plenty of money to spend in free agency and can fill the holes as needed to catapult this team to the playoffs. Free agency and the NFL Draft will be an exciting time for the Cleveland Browns and its fans.