2012 NFL Draft: Today's War-Room Thoughts for the Cleveland Browns

We're about one month away from the NFL draft, and if the Cleveland Browns want to do some serious building (and rebuilding), that's how they're going to have to accomplish it.

High on their priority list will be offensive line—specifically right tackle. The team released Tony Pashos at the start of free agency but has yet to install his replacement. Considering the dearth of starter-quality tackles still on the open market, that means the team will have to look to the draft.

If they use a first-round pick to grab a tackle, then Iowa's Riley Reiff would be their primary target, followed up by Ohio State's Mike Adams. In later rounds, the Browns could pick up Florida State's Zebrie Sanders or Mississippi's Bobby Massie.

Lucky for Cleveland, they have two picks in the first round with which to build their starting roster.

Because not only do they need to improve their offensive line, they need to add at least one wide receiver and still require a running back after losing Peyton Hillis to the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency.

For running back, it seems to be the smartest move for the Browns to pick up Trent Richardson with their No. 4 overall pick.

If they trade down from No. 4, for whatever reason, there's little chance Richardson will fall past the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at No. 5, and for a prospect of his caliber, the Browns shouldn't pass on him.

Of course, there are other options at running back that won't come with such a hefty price tag nor such high expectations, like Virginia Tech's David Wilson or Boise State's Doug Martin.

In the coming weeks, it's likely the Browns will examine the top running back prospects closely to see what approach best suits both their needs and fits in with their overall plan for the team, because it's almost unthinkable that they won't draft a running back this year.

Wide receiver is also an area of need and the Browns have yet to make a move for any free agents. The free agent pool has dwindled significantly in the past seven days, with teams snapping up receivers quickly.

Though there are a few players of note still on the market, Cleveland's best bet to make additions at the position this year is through the draft, where there's a deep class of prospects. In the first round, they could target Baylor's Kendall Wright, Georgia Tech's Stephen Hill or Notre Dame's Michael Floyd.

It's doubtful the Browns pick Justin Blackmon fourth overall, but if the Browns do trade down a few spots, they may be able to pick him up; however, again, Richardson I think is the team's best bet at No. 4.

Don't be surprised if the Browns use a later-round pick on a quarterback to back up Colt McCoy. Ryan Tannehill won't be a first-round target, but in the second (or even third), they could land Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden or, even later down the line, Wisconsin's Russell Wilson.

Clearly, the Browns need to build on offense. They may pick up a defensive player here or there—especially defensive backs with special teams skills—but this is looking to be an offense-heavy draft year for Cleveland, considering the number of glaring holes on that side of the ball.

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