Cleveland Browns 2012 Mock Draft | Two Rounds 

The Cleveland Browns clearly have quite a few needs after such a disappointing 4-12 campaign.

The good news is that they have an extra first round pick in 2012 after trading down in 2011 with the Atlanta Falcons.

Cleveland currently owns pick #4 overall, pick #22, and pick #37, giving them three top forty picks in the upcoming 2012 NFL Draft.

There are quite a few options for the Browns to take a look at with those three picks, and NFL Soup analyzes some of the best options for them.

Pick #4

Option #1: Trade Up

It’s no secret that the Cleveland Browns are in love with Robert Griffin III, and they absolutely should be, which makes this a priority.

However, the Rams are rumored to be asked for two first, and a second round pick for the #2 overall selection in the 2012 NFL Draft.

That seems like a steep price to pay to move up just two spots, but if those two spots are the difference between landing your franchise quarterback or not, then I would say it isworth the investment.

Option #2: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

If the Browns stick with the fourth overall selection, they will need to replace free agent RB Peyton Hillis.

Hillis has been rumored not to be brought back in the 2012 NFL off-season, and the Browns need a play maker in the back field.

Richardson is the player in this draft with the least amount of flaws, is NFL ready, an every down back, and plays a position that makes the easiest transition to the next level.

This would be a no-brainer at pick #4.

Option #3: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

The popular pick at #4 for the Browns has been Justin Blackmon, but he may not be the ideal receiver that they need for their west coast offense.

Morris Claiborne is the most talented corner in the last two NFL Drafts, even moreso than 2011 fifth overall selection Patrick Peterson.

Claiborne would team up with All-Pro caliber Joe Haden to form arguably the best duo in the NFL, which is huge considering the league is a passing league.

Pick #22

Option #1: Nick Perry, DE, USC

The defensive line in Cleveland is almost fully set, just needing a true right defensive end opposite Jabaal Sheard.

Enter Nick Perry who is a raw pass rusher that has exceptional ability and has shown flashes much like San Francisco pass rusher Aldon Smith did back at Missouri.

Perry would be able to compete for the starting spot right away and could make a huge impact on a defense that has a big issue with depth.

Option #2: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

I fully expect for Mike Adams to be off of the board at this point, but in the even that he’s not, the Browns could use him to create bookend tackles on the offensive line.

Adams is a better run blocker than pass protector, and despite playing soft and lacking a mean streak, he could end up becoming a top tier right tackle.

He would be a steal at pick 22 overall, although I doubt he will be available.

Option #3: Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

The need for legit receivers is evident for the Browns, and they could opt for a guy like Alshon Jeffery, or make a play for a more consistent receiver like Mohamed Sanu.

Sanu won’t break off huge plays, and will not be on the ESPN highlight reel, but he will make every catch, and can fight for the ball in traffic.

He is not the ideal receiver for most teams, but paired with Greg Little, Sanu could do quite a bit of damage.

Pick #37

Option #1: Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia 

There are numerous options for the Browns at this pick, especially with players rising and falling after the 2012 NFL Combine.

This is a feel good story about the son of former “Dawgpound” founder Frank Minnifield, who happens to be a fine cornerback.

Minnifield will never be a #1 corner at the next level, but he should end up a very respectable #2, which is something that the Browns could use in replacing Sheldon Brown.

Option #2: Vinny Curry, DE, Marshall

If Cleveland opts not to grab a pass rusher with pick #22, they could steal a pretty good one with Vinny Curry at the top of the second round.

Curry, who reminds me a bit of Tamba Hali when he came out of Penn State, really has exceptional potential as a strong side edge rusher.

Despite not playing against elite competition, Curry held his own during Senior Bowl practices and the game, and has shown impressive athleticism as well as instincts off the edge.

Option #3: Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina

Many peg Brown to be a first round pick because of his elite athleticism, but his lack of fundamentals when it comes to taking good angles and tackling, I cannot rank him that highly.

That being said, Brown poses excellent potential as a weakside linebacker and can be coached up.

With enough work he could become a Lance Briggs type of linebacker that holds up the weakside spot for years.