2012 NFL Draft Predictions: Why Cleveland Browns Will Take Trent Richardson

The first three picks in the 2012 NFL Draft are all but set in stone, which means this year's draft will turn on what the Cleveland Browns do with the fourth pick. While speculation on that spot is running rampant, the Browns should take Alabama running back Trent Richardson. 

Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III and USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil will be the first three picks in this year's draft. That will leave the Browns sitting at No. 4 with plenty of options.

With Peyton Hillis off to the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency, running back is currently Cleveland's biggest need. The Browns could also use a true No. 1 wide receiver, a right tackle and a quarterback to push current starter Colt McCoy. 

While Oklahoma State wideout Justin Blackmon will be available and would definitely satisfy the team's need for a top-notch receiver, Richardson has to be the pick.

The Alabama product finally took over as the Crimson Tide's top running back in 2011 and all he did was lead the team to a BCS title. At 5'9" and 228 pounds, Richardson has an elite combination of overall size, bulk and top-end speed. He finished his final collegiate season with 1,679 yards on 283 carries (5.9 yards per carry) and 21 touchdowns. He added 338 yards and three touchdowns on 29 receptions.

Richardson is a hard worker who possesses outstanding intangibles. He runs tough between the tackles and almost never goes down on first contact. But he also possesses the ability to run away from defenders in the open field. 

After watching hours of tape on Richardson, I feel completely confident saying that he is the best running back to enter the NFL since Adrian Peterson in 2007. He will be one of the NFL's best backs within three years. 

The Browns simply can't pass up the opportunity to land a guy like Richardson. He is too talented, will provide too much of an impact and could help out McCoy too much to let him go by.

If Cleveland adds Richardson, it will instantly have a running game and the team will have provided McCoy with someone to take the pressure off of him. This should be a no-brainer.