Cleveland Browns Must Draft Trent Richardson, Finally End Peyton Hillis Drama

To say that Peyton Hillis was a distraction for the Cleveland Browns in 2011 is a huge understatement. The Madden 12 cover boy garnered more headlines for his exploits off the field than on last season, and now that he is a free agent, it would probably be best if the Browns just let him walk away.

Cleveland owns the No. 4 pick in the 2012 NFL draft and will be in the perfect position to take a franchise-type running back. Alabama's Trent Richardson is easily the best ball-carrier in the current draft class, and I believe he's the most complete back to come out of college since Adrian Peterson in 2007.

In 2011, Hillis played in only 10 games and rushed for just 587 yards and three touchdowns on 161 carries. He also caught just 22 passes for 130 yards. Considering he had 1,654 total yards and 13 touchdowns in 2010, that qualifies as a terrible season.

Hillis also took his dissatisfaction with negotiations on a long-term contract public, and his attitude was questioned by many in Cleveland.

As the Browns sunk to 4-12, most of the focus was on Hillis. That's not how things should be. The team needs to move on from that kind of drama, and drafting Richardson would go a long way towards doing just that.

Richardson is a power runner with speed, who never gives up on a play. He is extremely difficult to take down, and his running style has the ability to energize an entire offense. The kid is legit and would be a perfect fit in Cleveland.

Before becoming the Browns' head coach, Pat Shurmur was the offensive coordinator for the St. Louis Rams and had Steven Jackson in his backfield. Richardson would thrive in a similar role under Shurmur.

This seems like it would be a perfect fit for everyone involved.