NFL Rumors: Why Browns Shouldn't Draft Ryan Tannehill

The Cleveland Browns will be spending some time with Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill before the 2012 NFL Draft, but it would be a mistake for the team to draft him.

This news comes just a few days after head coach Pat Shurmur went public claiming that the Browns were set to move forward with Colt McCoy as their quarterback. Shurmur added that he thought McCoy would benefit from a full offseason as the team's starter. 

While the team is certainly just doing its due diligence by bringing in Tannehill for a closer look, it would be a mistake to draft him. Cleveland has two first-round picks in April's draft (No. 4 and No. 22), and rather than spending one of those on another quarterback, the team should focus on surrounding McCoy with some actual offensive talent.

At No. 4 the Browns should grab Alabama running back Trent Richardson. He is the most complete back to enter the league since Adrian Peterson in 2007 and should be a stud from the first day he steps on to an NFL field. He is an every-down running back who would take a ton of pressure off McCoy by giving the team a legitimate threat on the ground.

After losing Peyton Hillis to the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency, Cleveland needs a starting running back. Richardson is a stud and would give the team's offense someone to lean on.

At No. 22 the Browns could take Tannehill and be getting a decent value, but if even he's around, they would be wise to pass on him and grab some help along the offensive line.

Guys like Georgia guard/tackle Cordy Glenn or Ohio State tackle Mike Adams should still be on the board and they would provide far more immediate help than Tannehill. 

If the Browns surround McCoy with some talent, he might actually develop into a solid quarterback. I don't believe he has the ability to be an elite NFL quarterback, but with some help he might be able to at least develop into a decent signal-caller.