Cleveland Browns NFL Draft: Robert Griffin III Not Necessary

Robert Griffin III posted crazy numbers at the recent scouting combine, shooting his draft stock through the roof.

Many have speculated that the Cleveland Browns could use Griffin as their quarterback next year, and the only way the team could make this move is by giving up a king's ransom for the No. 2 pick in the 2012 NFL draft.

Can the Browns be competitive if they stick with QB Colt McCoy?

Here's a draft scenario in which the team could field a playoff roster with the former Texas quarterback as its starter.

McCoy needs weapons around him, and these next few slides explain how the Browns could go about their draft and come away with talent and competency, without drafting Griffin.

Round 1, Pick No. 4: RB Trent Richardson, Alabama

If the Browns keep the fourth pick, this one becomes a no-brainer.

Trent Richardson brings a dynamic element to the game, and he would instantly become a top-10 NFL back from day one.

In selecting this Alabama star, the Browns are committing to his surgically repaired knee, so they should definitely get that checked out before making this pick.

While Cleveland would be smart to do its homework on Richardson's knee, he is an explosive runner who warrants the fourth overall selection.

Round 1, Pick 22: WR Mohamed Sanu, Rutgers

Some will say I'm reaching for Mohamed Sanu here, but keep in mind the importance of providing Colt McCoy with receivers who can catch the football, if nothing else.

Sanu may have the best hands in the draft, and he'd team up with Greg Little to give McCoy a legitimate receiving corps.

After running a 4.67 40-yard dash at the combine and turning off some people, there's a chance he'd be available with the Browns' next pick, but I'm not taking that risk.

Adding this Rutgers wideout to the team would give McCoy the opportunity to throw the ball with confidence to a top-notch possession receiver like he did with Jordan Shipley back at Texas.

Round 2, Pick 37: OL Nate Potter

In the interest of protecting the quarterback, the Browns could provide Colt McCoy with a solid offensive lineman in Nate Potter.

This high-IQ player (he was an Academic All-American and a team captain) can play anywhere along the line other than center, and he'd be an anchor in pass protection for the new-look Browns.

With Joe Thomas holding down the left side, the Browns could feature an offensive line with Thomas, Potter, Eric Steinbach and Alex Mack, making the unit one of the best in the game today.

This Boise State Bronco was a four-year starter and is a masterful pass-blocker, which makes him the perfect day-two selection here.

Round 3, Pick 68: WR Jarius Wright, Arkansas

If he wasn't so disregarded by NFL teams, I'd feel comfortable using a first-round pick on Jarius Wright.

He will be here with this pick and should the Browns select him, they'll be getting a player who has produced at an elite level in an elite conference.

Wright caught 66 balls for 1,117 yards and 12 touchdowns (one being against LSU and top cornerback Morris Claiborne) in 2012, proving that he can make plays and perform against big-time competition.

This wideout has game-breaking speed (running a 4.42 40-yard dash, the fastest of any SEC player), as well as the ability to make defenders miss in the open field to go with his reliable hands.

Draft this man.

Rounds 4-7: Defense/Backup Quarterback

The Browns have some assorted needs along their defense, and they can address these issues by picking a pass-rusher, cornerback and a cover safety in the later rounds.

Cleveland's defense was rather good last season, and that certainly wasn't the problem for the Browns.

In either the fifth or sixth round, Mike Holmgren and his staff should look into drafting a quarterback, just in case something goes wrong in 2012. Kirk Cousins warrants a look.

The Browns can be a competitive team in 2012, but they must follow these carefully laid out steps in order to win games next season.

Get Colt McCoy a running back, possession wide receivers and a pass-blocker.