Cleveland Browns 2012 Draft: Different Ways Team Could Have Gone in 2nd Round

The Cleveland Browns used the 37th pick in the 2012 NFL draft to select Cal offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz . While this pick addresses a need, the Browns have multiple issues which could have been solved with some of the other prime talent left on the board.

Here are three different ways the Browns could have gone with the 37th pick:

Wide Receiver

After adding a new quarterback in Brandon Weeden and new runner in Trent Richardson, it was surprising the Browns didn't opt to go after a playmaking wide receiver. The Browns need big-play potential from the skill positions and left the likes of Stephen Hill and Reuben Randle on the board.

Cornerback

Not a glaring need, but the Browns could have drafted to a strength and added shutdown cornerback to partner with the superb Joe Haden. A player like Trumaine Jonhnson would have been a great fit, despite his off the field problems.

Outside Linebacker

Finding more speed at outside linebacker is probably the team's biggest offseason priority regarding the defense. North Carolina's Zach Brown would have been a nice pick and would have given Dick Jauron's unit a sideline to sideline coverage 'backer.

Conclusion

Schwartz can quickly stake a claim to be the team's starting right tackle from day one. However, as much as the Browns needed help in this area, players like Jonathan Martin and Cordy Glenn were more highly touted.

This pick also came at the expense of finding an explosive wide receiver for Weeden to throw to.

Grade: C