NFL Draft 2012 Predictions: Why Richardson Will Be Best Alabama Player Selected

There are five players from the University of Alabama who will likely be drafted in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft.

None of the Crimson Tide alumni will have a more successful career than running back Trent Richardson, who is expected to go No. 4 overall to the Cleveland Browns. 

Here’s why:

Mike Holmgren 

The president of the Cleveland Browns will do whatever he can to make Richardson a success. He rode the coattails of Shaun Alexander (another ‘Bama alumnus) to a Super Bowl appearance with the Seattle Seahawks.

The Browns are definitely going to take Richardson at No. 4, and he should get an opportunity to make a name for himself right off the bat.

Further helping his case is the fact that the Browns really don’t have a passing game to rely on.

They’re also without a running back after Peyton Hillis decided he hated the Browns organization and signed with the Kansas City Chiefs.

He’s a Physical Specimen

Richardson is a much more intriguing physical specimen leading up to the draft than Alexander was. He told Deadspin, when asked how much he bench presses, "I really can't tell you the truth because I really don't know the truth. But I did 475 easy, and they won't let me go above 475."

That is insane. The man has no idea how much he can bench because the training staff is afraid to let him go above 475 pounds, fearing that his bones would explode.

At 5'11", 224 pounds, Richardson is akin to Maurice Jones-Drew with his bowling ball-like body.

He’s been clocked at 4.42 in the 40-yard dash, which is scary for opposing teams to imagine.

The Cleveland Browns Situation

Colt McCoy has failed to impress in his first full season as the starting quarterback, meaning that the Browns will be looking to change their approach.

The Browns have a great pass defense, but not much else. If Richardson is around to pound the ball, they can keep the opposition from scoring at will.

If they want to compete in the next few seasons, they’ll need a power running game to act as an equalizer. If they can keep the clock working in their favor, running the ball and keeping opposing offenses off the field, they should improve on their 4-12 record.