(Sports Network) -
1 - Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama (5-9, 228); 1 - Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma
State (6-4, 221); 2 - Mitchell Schwartz, OT, California (6-5, 318); 3 - John
Hughes, DT, Cincinnati (6-3, 309); 4 - Travis Benjamin, WR, Miami-Florida
(5-10, 172); 4 - James-Michael Johnson, ILB, Nevada (6-1, 241); 5 - Ryan
Miller, OT, Colorado (6-7, 321); 6 - Emmanuel Acho, OLB, Texas (6-2, 238); 6 -
Billy Winn, DT, Boise State (6-4, 294); 7 - Trevin Wade, CB, Arizona (5-10,
192); 7 - Brad Smelley, FB, Alabama (6-2, 238)
Top Picks Analysis: The Browns came in with the goal of boosting one of the
NFL's most anemic offenses and started the makeover by moving up one spot to
the No. 3 position to reel in the supremely talented Richardson, a complete
running back with exceptional power and the speed to break off big gains
outside. The Heisman Trophy finalist is also a fine receiver and willing pass
blocker, and his lone knock is that he's so physical that there's a threat of
a shortened career. Weeden's pro tenure has already been curtailed, as the
former minor league pitcher will be 29 years old come October, but he's mature
and composed and sports a superior arm than incumbent Colt McCoy. He'll get
every chance to claim the starting job in camp as long as can grasp the
system. Cleveland also had a hole at right tackle that it intends to fill with
Schwartz, a gritty and intelligent four-year starter at Cal with average
athleticism but pro-ready technique. Defense was finally addressed with the
third-round selection of Hughes, a rotational run-stopper with limited pass-
rush skills and upside.
Best Value Pick: Winn is a good athlete with a quick first step who may be
able to contribute as an interior pass rusher. Considered in many circles to
be a better prospect than Hughes, he slid to the bottom of the sixth round
primarily due to maturity and motivation concerns.
Questionable Calls: There were a few. Hughes looks like a massive reach in the
third round, and it's debatable as to whether general manager Tom Heckert
needed to spend a first-round pick on Weeden when he would have likely been
still available at Cleveland's No. 37 spot. That selection may have been
better served by obtaining a field-stretching wide receiver, something the
Browns didn't address until the fourth-round choice of return specialist
Benjamin. And since Minnesota wasn't going to take Richardson at No. 3,
trading up a place seemed like a needless move.
Summary: The Browns did get a cornerstone player in Richardson, but the jury's
still out about many of Heckert's other decisions, a few of which he may have
jumped the gun on. If Weeden quickly develops into a capable quarterback that
can ignite Cleveland's dormant passing game, the mark below will be
significantly higher. But his lack of seasoning in a pro system raises
questions as to whether that can be the case, and his window is already
closing. With the Browns' bounty of picks and advantageous positions, this
draft could have been much more than what they actually got.
FINAL GRADE: C
The Sports Network