NFL Draft Rumors: Prospects the Browns Should Target If They Trade Down

According to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Browns may end up trading down in the 2012 NFL draft:

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Browns general manager Tom Heckert guaranteed the Browns won't trade up to No. 3 to get their man, and will consider trading down in the draft, "but only a few spots,'' he told the Plain Dealer today.

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That said, if the Browns end up trading down once again, here are some prospects they should consider.

Melvin Ingram: LB/DE, South Carolina

Arguably the most versatile and complete defensive player in the 2012 draft, South Carolina's Melvin Ingram would provide so much for the Cleveland defense.

The man can play anywhere along the defensive line, has the ability to play either outside linebacker and is reliable anywhere in the front seven.

For the Gamecocks, Ingram recorded 19 sacks over the past two seasons, and even had two interceptions in 2011.

The man also scored three touchdowns, two of which came on fumble recoveries. Ingram has a knack for finding the ball, making plays and has the explosiveness and agility to quickly change directions.

In the Browns 4-3 front, Ingram would make a great complement opposite of Jabaal Sheard at defensive end, as well as at outside linebacker to D'Qwell Jackson.

And in passing situations, Ingram can play defensive tackle to provide an interior pass rush.

David DeCastro: Guard, Stanford

Earlier in March, the Browns released guard Eric Steinbach according to ESPN.

Needing to replenish that void in the offensive line, Stanford's David DeCastro would most certainly suffice.

DeCastro played in a pro-style offense for the Cardinals, which despite having Andrew Luck under center, ran the ball quite often. In 2011, Stanford ranked No. 18 in total rushing offense, and averaged 210.6 rush yards per game.

Also, Luck was only sacked 11 times during the year, which averaged out to less than once per game.

As for DeCastro, the man is just a beast in the trenches.

On the ground, DeCastro brings an attitude like no other at driving defensive lineman at the snap and pummeling linebackers in addition.

The Browns need an offensive lineman who can create a lane and then get to the second level to move the chains.

As a pass-blocker, DeCastro has excellent body control, great hand techniques and is aware of blitzers from all over.

Regardless of who's playing quarterback for Cleveland in 2012, pass protection is an area that must be addressed.

Dre Kirkpatrick: CB, Alabama

The pass defense might be Cleveland's strength, but it's still going to be vulnerable unless Joe Haden gets some help.

Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick is the type of corner that when paired with Haden, will take a great deal of pressure off of the front-seven.

With this potential Haden-Kirkpatrick tandem, Cleveland would be able to play a lot of man coverage and blitz more often in the process, allowing for more pressure on the quarterback along with the ability to shutdown an opponent's rushing attack.

The past two seasons, Kirkpatrick defended 19 passes, forced three fumbles and made 91 tackles.

Kirkpatrick's long arms and quickness make him an excellent press-corner that can keep a receiver at the line, to read the run and set the edge.

As a result, that allows the linebackers to play more against the run and during the course of the game, are able to force more passes.

The Browns need a physical player who brings attitude and confidence to match Haden, so why not a guy from college football's best defense?

John Rozum is on Twitter.