2012 NFL Draft: Trent Richardson and Cleveland Browns Would Be Best Fit

Trent Richardson and the Cleveland Browns are a match made in NFL heaven. 

The Browns need a running back and Richardson is as good as they come. The Alabama star could be the new face of the team, as he's marketable and already a fan favorite. Cleveland lacks offensive playmakers, but Richardson would bring an explosive power that the team could build around. 

Last season, T-Rich carried 283 times for 1,679 yard and 21 touchdowns, to break the single-season school record. He also had 383 yards and three touchdowns receiving. Richardson is arguably the best running back since Adrian Peterson, reminiscent of Emmitt Smith in his game. He can get outside, carry it inside or catch it in the backfield, and has the ability to turn a single run into a huge play.

Richardson is just as good on paper as he is on the field. He runs with power and patience, waiting for holes to open. His ability to move through small defenders and break tackles, combined with a nice speed, make him a serious threat. He's not afraid of contact and has a willingness to block when needed. 

What's interesting about T-Rich is he doesn't have any true faults. His biggest weakness is that he was a part of an Alabama team stacked with talented athletes. He ran behind a very experienced line, so now he has to prove he has above-average talent on his own.   

The Browns need to surround Colt McCoy with offensive weapons to give him a chance to succeed. It has been difficult for Cleveland to properly evaluate their quarterback because he's had so little to work with. Last season, Peyton Hillis was ineffective, so the Browns could definitely use a solid running back to propel their offense. Richardson's strong instincts and power would allow him to make an immediate impact with the Browns at the next level.

If the Browns want to be taken seriously in the NFL, and finally climb to the top of the AFC North, they must draft Trent Richardson. He is the complete package—speed, agility, power and the ability to create big plays. Richardson is by far the best running back in the draft, the lone RB projected to go in the first round. The Browns shouldn't have to give a second thought about drafting Richardson, because they would be crazy to pass on a player of his caliber.