Cleveland Browns 2012 Mock Draft: 7-Round Predictions

The Cleveland Browns' full seven-round mock draft has been updated after trades, free agency signings, pro day performances and the NFL Scouting Combine have occurred.

After missing out on Robert Griffin III, the Cleveland Browns must employ "Plan B" as indicated by team President Mike Holmgren.

Holmgren's "Plan B," if you haven't heard, involves surrounding the team's quarterback with a more potent offense in 2012 (Holmgren did not specify Colt McCoy as the clear-cut starter in 2012).

Luckily for Holmgren and General Manager Tom Heckert, the 2012 NFL Draft is rich with offensive weapons.

In addition to offensive playmakers, the Browns need to address holes on their offensive line and in the defensive secondary.

Take a look as I explore each pick I believe the Browns will, and should make, at April's NFL draft.

**This mock draft does not factor in potential trade-down scenarios.

Round 7, Pick No. 4 (195)

With the 195th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns select Ron Brooks, CB, LSU.

Cornerback depth in the pass-happy NFL is a necessity in today's game.  

Brooks was a fifth-year senior in 2011 and brings great ball skills with him to the next level.  He also has high-end speed, averaging a 4.37 in the 40-yard dash.

He also possesses vast experience in a stellar LSU defense.

Round 6, Pick No. 5 (164)

With the 164th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns select Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma.

Ryan Broyles is a great prospect for an NFL West Coast Offense such as that employed by the Cleveland Browns.  He possesses elite speed in his cuts, specifically in slants and drags across the middle of the field.

Injury and size concerns surrounding Broyles have dropped his draft stock drastically since he suffered a season ending ACL tear on Nov. 4, 2011.

If Broyles is still around this late in the draft, he would provide a very smart gamble for a team like the Browns, who could utilize his strengths and who were void of offensive firepower in 2011. 

Round 5, Pick No. 4 (131)

With the 131st pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns select Brandon Brooks, OG, Miami (OH).

In January, I mocked the Browns would select Brandon Brooks in the sixth round.

Recent rankings at NFLDraftScout.com have shown Brooks jump in his predicted landing place after a strong showing at his pro day.

He was not invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, but this strong performance has accounted for the rise in his draft stock.

Brooks will fall nicely into the Browns lap early in the fifth round and will make a nice development project and eventual rotational player along their offensive line.

Round 4, Pick No. 23 (118) (From Atlanta Falcons)

With the 118th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns select Keenan Robinson, OLB, Texas.

In January, I also mocked the Browns would select Keenan Robinson in the fourth round.  Nothing has changed for me.  Robinson's ability to stuff the run and contain the edges is exactly what the doctor ordered for an anemic Browns rush defense.  NFL.com's scouting profile also stated he covers tight ends, "with ease."

After watching slow linebackers beaten by tight ends, I'm sure Cleveland Browns fans would welcome Robinson with open arms.

One of the main criticisms of Robinson is that he plays lazy occasionally, due to his reliance on his top-end speed.  This has contributed to a lack of an effective block-shedding technique in his repertoire.

This lack of an effective block-shedding move may contribute to his fourth-round stock, but is definitely something that can be developed.

Round 4, Pick No. 5 (100)

With the 100th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns select Brock Osweiler, QB, Arizona State.

After missing out on potential franchise quarterback Robert Griffin III, Tom Heckert and Mike Holmgren will turn their sights to the mid-rounds for a quarterback prospect.

Brock Osweiler from Arizona State could be the answer the Browns have been looking for at quarterback. 

Osweiler was listed at 6-8 by Arizona State University but measured in at just under 6-7 (6-6 7/8) at the NFL Scouting Combine.  This alleviated some concerns he was too immobile to be an effective quarterback at the NFL level.

There are some concerns about his mechanics, but after a year waiting in the wings and playing behind Colt McCoy and Seneca Wallace, Osweiler could make great strides with the proper coaching.

I've heard Mike Holmgren and his organization know something about developing and coaching up quarterbacks.

Round 3, Pick No. 4 (68)

With the 68th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns select Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia.

After failing to perform at the combine due to an ankle injury and then a poor performance at Virginia's Pro Day on March 15, Minnifield's draft stock appears to have fallen from what it could have been.

An untimely injury and a large crop of talent at the position may push Minnifield into the Browns' lap in the early third round.

For the Browns, Minnifield would be a welcome addition to a secondary with question marks at the No. 2 cornerback and free safety positions.

Let's not forget, Minnifield's father Frank played eight seasons for the Browns from 1984-1992.  He made the Pro Bowl in four consecutive seasons from 1986-1989.

Round 2, Pick No. 5 (37)

With the 37th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns select Kelechi Osemele, OG/OT, Iowa State.

Kelechi Osemele is an absolute mauler who is projected to play anywhere on an NFL offensive line.  For the Cleveland Browns, Osemele is a perfect fit.  

After releasing offensive linemen Tony Pashos and Eric Steinbach, the Browns head into 2012 with much uncertainty in their front five.

Osemele's size, strength and agility would allow him to come into Cleveland and start at right tackle or right guard on opening day.

Round 1, Pick No. 22 (From Atlanta Falcons)

With the 22nd pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns select Doug Martin, RB, Boise State.

Tom Heckert and Mike Holmgren may not prefer drafting a running back this high in the draft, but in 2012 it is essential after the Browns let Peyton Hillis slip away.  

Given that there is a large drop off after the top four running backs and that the Browns need to address the offensive tackle position early, I think they go with Martin here at No. 22.

Martin is an elite prospect with great strength and vision.  His speed, size and natural ability is comparable to that of Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice.

He is also a complete back.  In the Browns' West Coast Offense, the running back is asked to be a great blocker and pass catcher in addition to a speedster running through the tackles.  Martin matches that description word for word.

If another team doesn't snag him first, the Browns will fill a very important need at good value taking Martin here.

Round 1, Pick No. 4

With the fourth pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns select Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State.

After failing to move up to draft Robert Griffin III, Tom Heckert solidifies one of his key positions by selecting the best wide receiver in the draft.

Heckert and company have seen the impact Cincinnati Bengals' wide receiver A.J. Green has had on their offense.  After missing out on Green by one pick in 2011, the Browns will take the best option at wide receiver in this draft.

While not the sole solution to the Browns' offensive woes, Blackmon will bring some much-needed firepower into the mix.  Wide receiver is a premium in the Browns' West Coast Offense.  

That, along with Blackmon's incredible skill set, will push him over the top to be the Browns' selection over talented running back Trent Richardson.

The possibility of the Browns trading down with this pick still exists.  If Heckert can orchestrate a trade-down with a team interested in grabbing Blackmon, Trent Richardson or Ryan Tannehill, I would not be surprised if he executed it.

IF there is a trade down, Heckert may target Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd, who is expected to come off the board in the early-to-mid first round.

You can follow Mike on Twitter @BigHoagowski