Cleveland Browns NFL Draft 2012: RGIII Is Gone; Who Gets Picked at No. 4?

The Cleveland Browns seemed to be in the mix for trading up with the St. Louis Rams until the last moments. The Washington Redskins swooped in, and gave up the farm for the pick.

They will give the Redskins three first-round picks over three years, along with a second-rounder, presumably all to draft Baylor QB Robert Griffin III. 

The overwhelming opinion among Browns' fans was to hold onto their two first-round picks and not sell out to get a chance at RG3. Maybe the fans are right. It seems the Browns as an organization deemed three first-rounders too steep a price to move into the No. 2 slot.

If the Rams had been willing to part with their pick for Cleveland's two first-rounders this year, and a few other later picks, I think they would have pulled the trigger, but the Redskins were willing to bet the farm.

The question is what now for the Browns? They will be drafting at No. 4 and No. 22, respectively. The team is full of needs, and it looks like they're going to roll with Colt McCoy, at least for another season, so who do they go after? 

Giving Colt a play-making wide receiver might be a good start. Justin Blackmon is the top receiver in this year's draft, and will be on the board at No. 4. He has decent size at 6'1", 205 lbs, and he is a fantastic route-runner.

In the NFL, that means he can get himself open. In the Browns offense, that will be a necessity. Giving Colt someone to throw to can only help a stingy offense to get in the end zone more often.

A new name here is Texas A&M QB Ryan Tannehill. With the top two QB's gone in the first two picks, Tannehill is the third one in line. Making a lot of recent buzz, a lot like Blaine Gabbert did last year around this time, some are saying he is Cleveland's target.

He is a big QB, 6'4", 220 lbs, which can only help in the AFC North. I doubt they go with a QB here, but if Tannehill impresses them enough, it may happen.

Morris Claiborne is the best defensive back in the draft. He should be available at No. 4. Adding him to the defensive secondary is a smart move. Claiborne is a lockdown corner and will be solid at the position for years to come.

He is already coming out of a pro-style defense at LSU, so the transitional period should be shorter than for most rookies. Having Claiborne and Haden in your defensive secondary is a good way to begin anchoring your defense.

What about adding a top-tier running back? Alabama's Trent Richardson will be there at No. 4 as well. While he is no Adrian Peterson, he does have that type of game. An explosive back with the power to get through the line.

The Browns will most likely not re-sign Peyton Hillis, so Richardson does make some sense. They need a running game to set up Colt for play action and dump-offs. Richardson would be able to step into the starting lineup right away and could provide instant offense. 

Maybe Washington getting RG3 is the best thing for the Browns. Maybe RG3 will be a bust and heads will roll in Washington. Then the Browns look smart and decisive. On the other hand, if RG3 blows up, they will look like they didn't see it coming and weren't ready to do whatever it took to get him. 

Taking a solid starter at No. 4 and seeing what talent is left at No. 22 is a good play for Cleveland. They have many holes to fill, giving away picks seems like a fool's game for this franchise anyhow.