NFL Draft Rumors: Browns Targeting Trent Richardson and Morris Claiborne

It appears as if the Cleveland Browns will target either Alabama running back Trent Richardson or LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne with the fourth overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft.

According to Evan Silva of Rotoworld and ProFootballTalk.com on Twitter, ESPN's Bob Holtzman has reported the Browns have narrowed their options down to two:

If true, this is big news for Browns fans, as Cleveland will have a hard time going wrong with either option.

Here's what each of these players brings to the table.

Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Richardson is the best running back in this draft, and he has all the intangibles to be a star in the NFL. He's got great speed, good shiftiness and elusiveness, excellent vision and agility and great hands out of the backfield.

He's going to be able to make a huge impact as a runner, a receiver and even a blocker, which will make him an excellent pick.

It appears as if the Browns are going to give quarterback Colt McCoy another go-around, and they'll be doing him a huge favor if they draft this feature back.

Not only would Richardson be able to pick up valuable yards, but defenses will have to respect the run, thus opening up some room for McCoy and the passing game.

Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

At 6'1'', 185 pounds, Claiborne has all the intangibles to be a shutdown cornerback in the NFL. He's got good speed and hip flexibility to turn and run with receivers, and he can also be physical at the line of scrimmage and against the run.

He's got great football instincts and is the best cover corner in the draft, so the Browns would be bringing in a huge addition to their defense if they took him at No. 4 overall.

In a league that's become so pass-happy and offense-oriented, having a corner that can literally shut down your opponent's best receiver is a must, and that's what the Browns would be envisioning with this pick.

My Take

The Browns need to go with Richardson here. If they want to move forward with McCoy under center they are going to have to do everything they can to set him up for success.

Richardson is going to be a top-five running back in the league for as long as his health allows him to be, and he'll be a huge weapon for the Browns offense both in the running and the passing game.

While Claiborne would be just as effective at corner, the Browns can literally change their offense with Richardson at No. 4 and let's say a wide receiver at No. 22 overall.

If they're going to put their eggs in the McCoy basket for one more season, they have to do their job and give him every reason to succeed.