Cleveland Browns Rumors: Alabama RB Trent Richardson on Organization’s Draft Wish List

Friday, February 17, 2012

By Bob Evans
Senior Writer

The Cleveland Browns have been connected to Alabama Crimson Tide running back Trent Richardson all offseason, but up until now all the reports were just rumors. According to a report by CBS Sports writer Mike Freeman, it appears there are some people in the Browns’ organization that would prefer drafting the former Heisman Trophy candidate.

In his latest article Freeman stated, “The Cleveland Browns remain uncertain exactly how to handle running back Peyton Hillis. Some in the organization want to try and keep him, while others want to part ways and draft Alabama’s Trent Richardson. I think the draft option will win out, but no one knows for certain just yet.”

If Freeman’s report is correct, Richardson will be the Browns' for the taking in the 2012 NFL Draft. With the Colts looking to draft Andrew Luck and the likes of Steven Jackson and Adrian Peterson manning the backfields for the Rams and Vikings, it is safe to say Richardson could fall right into the Browns’ laps. If the Browns decide No. 4 is too high to draft the former Alabama standout, then they could trade down and get an extra pick or two and still land him.

The trading back scenario is one National Football Authority writer Daniel Wolf actually predicted in his latest mock draft. Wolf had the Browns swinging a deal with the Dallas Cowboys, moving back to No. 14 and still being able to land Richardson. While this is a big fall, especially since a team like Tampa Bay could draft him as the best player available, this scenario could be perfect for Browns’ fans.

Richardson is a strong runner, can catch the ball out of the backfield and has some of the best ball control skills you will ever see. He switches the ball from hand to hand with ease and very rarely fumbles the ball. In his first season as a full-time starter he rushed for 1,679 yards, 21 touchdowns and had a 5.9 yard per carry average.

With Hillis’ injury, contract and drama issues from 2011, Richardson would be the perfect replacement for the latest player to fall victim to the “Madden Curse”. Running backs may be considered a dime a dozen in the NFL these days, but elite runners like Richardson only come around every few years—and after passing on Peterson in 2007, the Browns shouldn’t pass on this opportunity.



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