With Peyton Hillis gone, do the Browns draft Trent Richardson
Does the Cleveland Browns lack of desire or ability to re-sign Peyton Hillis reflect their desire to move in a different direction, possibly Trent Richardson of the Alabama Crimson Tide? Setting aside the latest rumors of the Browns pursuing Ben Tate of the Houston Texans along with the recent signing of Hillis by the Kansas City Chiefs one could take this as a preview of the Browns plans for the up-coming NFL Draft.
Browns GM Tom Heckert has stated on numerous occasions that the proper way to build a successful team is through the draft and not to expect any "earth shattering" pick-ups in free agency. It is highly possible that the Browns had little interest in re-signing Hillis and no intention of seeking a replacement in free agency.
The Browns sit in the number four slot of the up-coming NFL Draft, a perfect position to pick Richardson if need be to fill the vacant spot left by Hillis. Given the history of injuries associated with Browns running-back Montario Hardesty it is easy to believe the Browns feel an urgent need for improvement at such a vital position.
At 5'11" and 224 pounds Richardson is a powerful running-back with the ability to muscle through smaller defenders, break tackles and always keeps his legs moving. He is known to lower his shoulders and bully his way over defenders putting his head down and fighting for every inch--somewhat like Hillis.
A very willing blocker he is not afraid of contact and has experience returning kicks. He is also a great receiver, much needed with the West Coast Offense that the Browns run and is considered an immediate starter that could handle 25 to 30 rushes per game. In today's "pass happy" offense the value of running-backs have decreased, however he is consider a "top 10" talent and is within reach of the Browns at #4 or possibly if they trade down.
So, is what seemed to be a lack of interest in re-signing Hillis or a cash situation a reflection of the Browns brain trusts plans for the #4 pick? Of course, I guess we will know more if the rumors of trading for Ben Tate a true! Tags: draft , hot , latest , media , players
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4 Responses to “With Peyton Hillis gone, do the Browns draft Trent Richardson”
March 15, 2012 at 9:21 AM
they need to jump on trent richardson at # 4 spot, remember when adrian peterson was there for us to pick in draft & we passed on him , we need playmakers now that hillis is gone we need rb so why not take the best rb in draft
March 15, 2012 at 9:40 AM
Agree--if they are not going to address the need via free agency, they need to handle it via the draft! Thanks for the comment!!
March 15, 2012 at 5:46 PM
My belief is that we need to build this team on an identity. I prefer the time-tested method of winning in the NFL : run the ball and field a ferocious, swarming, smothering defense. Not unlike another team, who shall remain nameless.. any draft pick or free-agent that moves the future of this team in this direction is fine by me !
March 16, 2012 at 1:33 PM
The BROWNS continue to make make horrible moves. If they are so concerned with Colt McCoy, how about GETTING HIM SOME PROTECTION ( beef up that front line) get JOE THOMAS some help, as he cannot do it alone, that should be their number 1 priority. My guess is they will go out and draft a running back in the 1st round to replace Payton Hillis and let MATT KALIEL (USC) slip by them and still have that same AWFUL offensive line. By them NOT resigning Payton Hillis shows they are STILL not trying to win, their only concern is selling out homes games. They know that they have a VERY loyal fan base that will come out and support them even with the GARBAGE they continue to put out year after year. Whenever we have a good player or playmakers they let them go or they just flat out leave, because they ( the organization) are cheap they DONT WANT TO PAY. Instead of doing WHATEVER needs to be done to keep them. They are a CHEAP and poorly run organization that has no desire for winning. Payton Hillis came out no where and gave us ( THE DAWG PAWND) hope and something to cheer for and now he's gone. I figure i will put my Payton Hillis jersey with the rest of the EX-BROWNS jersey(s) I have in my closet. Being a life long die hard BROWNS fan in L.A. (born and raised) makes it VERY hard to support them. My suggestion is, are you ready for this? "BOYCOTT" the organization.. Thats right i said it.. STOP SUPPORTING THEM..... If they want to keep putting that garbage on the field year after year, week after week, " giving us a" freaking" stroke EVERY SUNDAY cause they can't block, dropping passes, or even worse can't make a freaking tackle..let's stop putting OUR hard earned money in their pockets and getting ABSOLUTELY nothing in return from them. Nothing will change if we continue to go to games and purchase product from them. If anything they should buy back these jerseys being thaey are useless now. Think about it.
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