2012 NFL Draft: Cleveland Browns Must Not Pass on Trent Richardson

Trent Richardson held his pro day on Thursday and did everything in his power to prove he is ready to shine in the NFL. By the end of the day, he left no question. 

Of course, there is the obvious question that has lingered since the season ended. Inquiring minds would like to know if the Browns are going with a solid running back that can fill the backfield with some measure of consistency, or a quarterback. 

Fate had the other possible target of the Browns, Ryan Tannehill, work out on the same day. NFL.com's Mike Mayock is confident enough in Tannehill to state the Browns should be absolutely smitten with his game, via NFL.com. 

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He’s very raw; he only had 19 starts in college. However, because the NFL is so overheated right now when it comes to finding franchise quarterbacks, I think the kid is probably going to go higher than he should. I think Cleveland has to take him at No. 4, and if they don’t, Miami is sitting there at No. 8.

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From an expert, the NFL is clamoring for franchise quarterbacks so the Browns have to gamble. I really don't see the sense in reaching for Tannehill when you have a sure thing in Richardson. 

The Browns have clearly targeted Richardson with the No. 4 pick as Pat Shurmur and Tom Heckert were at the running back's pro day, and not Tannehill's, and thank goodness for that. 

Tannehill may show promise, but that doesn't mean you panic and take him what may be one full round ahead of where he should. 

As for Richardson, this is a player that you take with a top-10 pick. He has the power and athleticism that can pay off immediately. 

Forget the speed and the fact that he put a coach on the ground with his power, Richardson is comping at the bit to get after a spot in the NFL. 

Birmingham News' Andrew Gribble reports Richardson wasn't satisfied with purely solid results.

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Trent Richardson said he benched 225 lbs 25 times. "I could have done better."

— Andrew Gribble (@Andrew_Gribble) March 29, 2012"

If you are looking for a player that has that elusive "it" quality that teams seem to love, Richardson has it. He is extremely difficult to tackle and plays with a lovely chip on his shoulder. 

Richardson worked out with a fierce disposition and really just wanted to prove himself. A player that is constantly trying to do better will be an amazing find for the Browns and really must be the pick at No. 4. 

The search is over. Trent Richardson has to be their man. 

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