2012 NFL Draft: Building an NFL Draft Big Board for the Cleveland Browns

Teams work on their draft big boards year round, compiling players and assigning them values based on how well they'd fit into their offense or defense.

While I can't say I've been building a Cleveland Browns big board for a season or more, I will try to put one together here that reflects the team's needs, as well as the players it can be assumed they are interested in.

Here are the top 15 players of interest for the Cleveland Browns, including those they won't likely land or are already spoken for.

1. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

While there's just one team that will get Andrew Luck—the Indianapolis Colts, more than likely—that doesn't take him out of the top spot on the Cleveland Browns' big board, because he's clearly the best player in this year's draft.

2. Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

The ship has clearly sailed on the Browns' attempt to land Robert Griffin III, but he's still there on their board.

3. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Trent Richardson isn't just high on the Browns' draft board, he's also completely attainable. Cleveland's major draft needs this year are primarily on offense, and they clearly don't have a starting running back on the roster. Everything that Richardson brings to the table will help the Browns immensely in 2012 and beyond.

4. Matt Kalil, OT, USC

Matt Kalil is considered the top left tackle in this year's draft, but that doesn't mean he can't be moved to the right side. It's doubtful the Browns take him with their No. 4 overall pick if the Minnesota Vikings don't do so at No. 3, but he's got to be near the top of their board simply because of their need at right tackle.

5. Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

The Browns don't technically need a cornerback, but Morris Claiborne is one of the best all-around players in this year's draft, and because of it, the Browns could ostensibly draft him. At the very least, he needs to be high on their board.

6. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

Justin Blackmon is believed to be one of the best—if not the best—wide receiver of this year's draft class. If the Browns agree, then he's the top receiver on their draft board this year.

7. Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

Again, Reiff not only meets one of the Browns' most pressing needs but is also one of the very top players in this year's draft. In a trade-down scenario, Reiff could easily be in play for Cleveland in the first round.

8. Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

The Browns could actually nab offensive tackle Mike Adams with their second of two first-round picks (No. 22 overall) and save wide receiver for the second round.

9. Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

While Michael Floyd may not be the best receiver in this year's draft, I do like the way he fits with the Browns more so than Justin Blackmon.

10. Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

Alshon Jeffery has slipped down a number of draft boards in the past months. However, he's firmly in the top 10 for any team that needs a receiver. His slip in value is mostly manufactured, but that could play to the Browns' favor—he could be there at pick No. 37 if they want him.

11. Lamar Miller, RB, Miami (FL)

Lamar Miller is easily the second-best running back of this year's draft class. Though I firmly believe the Browns will select Trent Richardson No. 4 overall, if they don't, then Miller will be their next-biggest target at the position.

12. Chris Polk, RB, Washington

I don't think Chris Polk is all that far behind Miller, and I think the Browns would agree. Cleveland may add two running backs in this year's draft, but I don't see the team going with either Miller or Polk if they select Richardson first; they'll wait until later rounds for that.

13. Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Again, Dre Kirkpatrick's placement on the Browns' big board has more to do with his innate skills as a cornerback and less to do with the team's chances to draft him. He's a best-available, not a need-based addition.

14. Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

There is a glut of first- and second-round offensive tackle talent in this year's draft, though it drops off considerably after that. Stanford's Jonathan Martin needs to be near the top of the Browns' big board because of his level of talent and the fact that he meets a position of serious need.

15. Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

Mohamed Sanu has generated a lot of attention in the past month. He's not just one of the top receivers of the draft class, he's also projected to go anywhere from the middle of the first round to the middle of the second. That kind of positioning has a ton of teams wanting to kick his tires before the draft.

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