The Cleveland Browns sent the Nos. 4, 118, 139, and 211 picks to Minnesota in exchange for the third overall pick in the draft.
And with the third pick, the Browns selected Alabama running back Trent Richardson.
Learning NFL-type concepts in Alabama’s pro-style offense, Richardson is ready to play in the big leagues right now. He can pick up the blitz, is a smooth receiver out of the backfield, and will be capable of breaking tackles in the NFL as a rookie.
The 2011 Doak Walker Award winner as the nation’s top running back, Richardson broke former teammate Mark Ingram’s single-season school rushing record as a junior at Alabama. Richardson averaged 5.80 yards per carry in his college career. He was a unanimous first-team All American in 2011, and the SEC Offensive Player of the Year.
The Browns’ backfield is all but barren behind Richardson. Former second-round pick Montario Hardesty hasn’t panned out, and guys like Chris Ogbonnaya are replacement-level talents. Look for Richardson to flirt with 350 offensive touches as a rookie, assuming he stays healthy.