Cleveland Browns First Round Draft Pick: What Experts Around the Web Are Saying

Robert Griffin III to the Cleveland Browns seems to be a done deal if Griffin III falls to the Browns' No. 4 overall selection in April's NFL Draft.

That is the consensus among most web mock drafts out there.

Recent reports indicated the Browns are unlikely to part with the No. 22 overall pick in a package to move up for the quarterback.

If these reports are true, are the Browns not interested in trading up for Griffin III, not interested in Griffin, or are they confident he will fall to them at No. 4?

Whatever the case may be, Griffin III is the consensus mock draft choice leading into free agency next week.  Many mocks state the implications of a potential trade and some even factor them into their mock drafts.

Take a look at the predicted Browns first selection from some reputable NFL mock draft outlets.

Mel Kiper, ESPN

Browns Pick: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

ESPN's draft guru Mel Kiper has the Cleveland Browns selecting Robert Griffin III.  Kiper addresses the possibility for the Browns to need to trade up to draft Griffin III.  He also said he thinks RGIII can step in and be the opening day starter for the Browns in 2012.

Todd McShay, ESPN

Browns Pick: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

Like Mel Kiper, Todd McShay believes the Cleveland Browns will end up with Robert Griffin III.

For the same reasons.

Matt Miller, Bleacher Report

Browns Pick: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Bleacher Report's NFL Lead Writer Matt Miller said Trent Richardson is "the best running back prospect to come out of college in the past decade."

I am skeptical Richardson will be the pick, given Tom Heckerts' belief in drafting them later in the draft.  Like quarterback, he's never taken a running back earlier than the second round.

Walterfootball.com

Browns Pick: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

Walterfootball.com has the Washington Redskins moving into the No. 2 overall spot to pick Robert Griffin III.  With Griffin III off the board, the Cleveland Browns select the best cornerback prospect in the draft.

Interestingly, the draft site also lists the possibility of the Browns selecting Ryan Tannehill at the No. 4 spot if they feel they need to upgrade the quarterback position.

Rob Rang, CBS Sports

Browns Pick: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Like Matt Miller, CBS Sports's Rob Rang also sees the backfield of the Cleveland Browns as an area that would be upgraded by the addition of Trent Richardson.

Miller and Rang are not alone in the sentiment that Trent Richardson brings an explosive skill set to the NFL.

SCOUT.INC has Richardson graded out at a 96 overall on a scale of 100, good enough for fourth best in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Dane Brugler, CBS Sports

Browns Pick: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

Much like the general consensus, CBS Sports' popular opinion seems to favor Robert Griffin III being the selection of the Cleveland Browns.

While I do think it is still possible the Browns land Griffin III, there are a multitude of factors that I will explain later as to why I do not think they will.

Tyler Loechner, ProFootballFocus.com

Browns Pick: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

ProFootballFocus.com posted an NFL mock draft with fantasy football implications.  It stated that the addition of Robert Griffin III is essential because of the impact he would have on the Browns offense.

Don Banks, Sports Illustrated

Browns Pick: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

Don Banks cites the Cleveland Browns need for quarterback will compel them to trade up to the No. 2 overall selection to pick Robert Griffin III.

Banks uses the Browns' No. 22 overall pick as their bargaining chip that will trump others' attempts to move into that position.

Hopefully Banks brushes up on the latest Browns news before his next mock draft.  The Browns have stated they will not be parting with the No. 22 pick in a draft day trade.

Evan Silva and Josh Norris, Rotoworld.com

Browns Pick: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

Rotoworld.com's NFL mock draft opines that Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy is an NFL backup and Robert Griffin III would be a huge upgrade to the position.  They did not factor in draft day trades into their mock and have the Browns selecting Griffin III with the No. 4 overall selection.

Consensus

Consensus Browns Pick: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

The consensus pick for the Cleveland Browns is RGIII.  That is no secret.  On the surface, the pick makes sense and would probably be a popular pick among Browns fans as well as draft analysts.

However, there are several things standing in the way from the Browns drafting the quarterback from Baylor.

1. Are the Browns sold on the idea that Griffin III is a legitimate NFL quarterback?

2. Does he fit in their offensive philosophy?

3. Will the Washington Redskins outbid the Browns (if interested), to move up and draft him?

4. Can the Browns package enough to move up without sacrificing other critical picks needed for rebuilding the stagnant offense?

5. Tom Heckert and Mike Holmgren have never drafted a first-round quarterback in either of their tenures as a general manager.

Robert Griffin III may be a lock for the Cleveland Browns according to popular opinion, but he should be nothing more than a question mark right now.

My Pick

My Pick: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

Conventional wisdom should always be used with caution at this time of the "crazy season."  Mock drafts are flying rampant and it is easy to get caught up in the moment without thinking for yourself.

While Robert Griffin III and Trent Richardson are excellent prospects, I have to disagree that either of them will be on the Cleveland Browns' roster in the future.

A trade down may very well be a possibility again for the Browns if they can position themselves properly and let RGIII fall to them at No. 4.  If that happens, the Browns, not the St. Louis Rams or Minnesota Vikings, would hold the rights to Griffin III.

If neither a trade down or up happens, I think the Browns will go with Morris Claiborne.  Claiborne is an elite cornerback and would provide the Browns secondary the missing piece it's been looking for since selecting Joe Haden No. 7 overall two seasons ago.

Again, in my opinion, there are far more pressing needs for the Cleveland Browns franchise than to mortgage picks for a quarterback prospect.  The only "sure thing" quarterback in this year's draft is Andrew Luck.

The Indianapolis Colts, though, are not budging from their position at No. 1 overall.

After initial signings occur when the NFL free agency period begins next week, popular opinion will likely shift again.

Just remember: Pay attention to trends and what people are saying.  There are smoke and mirrors at play, though, so remaining skeptical is your best bet.

After April's draft, someone is going to be right and others will be wrong.

That's where the excitement lies.