Trent Richardson: Cleveland Running Back Will Win Rookie of the Year

It cost a few more than expected extra picks, but the Cleveland Browns got a great player in Trent Richardson.

When the Minnesota Vikings threatened to trade the No. 3 pick to another team willing to draft the Alabama running back, the Browns parted with three late-round picks to secure the player they wanted.

In the long-run, they will not regret that decision.

Richardson is one of the best running backs to come into the draft in a few years. While many teams have devalued the position as a whole in recent years, this man is the exception.

There are few things the Heisman finalist does not do well. He has great strength to break tackles in traffic, plus speed and agility to get to the end zone when he finds an opening.

This will be a welcome addition to a Cleveland offense that was stagnant all last season. The Browns were 29th in the NFL in total yards, and only the Chiefs and Rams scored fewer points.

These numbers should improve by adding the dynamic running back.

The other issue in Cleveland is at the sport's most important position. With the second first-round pick, the club selected quarterback Brandon Weeden from Oklahoma State.

Colt McCoy is now on notice as the team is not going to waste a first-round pick for a player to sit on the sidelines. 

With this type of uncertainty at the quarterback position, the Browns are going to lean even more heavily on Richardson during his first season.

As a three-down back who's a good receiver out of the backfield, do not be surprised if he's able to accumulate over 1,500 yards from scrimmage in his first season.

Meanwhile, other top offensive players like Robert Griffin III and Andrew Luck will struggle as they attempt to adjust to a new system in the NFL. 

By the end of the season, no one will doubt Trent Richardson as the top rookie in the league.