<
>

Grade the Browns' 2012 draft

Each day, we'll look at the draft for one team in the AFC North and ask you to put a grade on it. Either post a comment below or send me one to the AFC North mailbag. At the end of the week, I will post a fans' report card that includes all the division teams, along with selected commentary.

Next up is the Cleveland Browns. Here's what they did in the 2012 draft:

First round: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama. The Browns traded three picks to move up for Richardson, who scored 24 touchdowns in 2011. The Browns scored 20 on offense last season.

First round: Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State. Cleveland didn't want to risk losing him, so it drafted the 28-year-old quarterback late in the first round instead of early in the second.

Second round: Mitchell Schwartz, OT, Cal. He was considered the best right tackle prospect in the draft.

Third round: John Hughes, NT, Cincinnati. He gives the Browns depth behind starters Ahtyba Rubin and Phil Taylor.

Fourth round: Travis Benjamin, WR, Miami. Small but quick, Benjamin can play slot receiver and contribute on returns.

Fourth round: James-Michael Johnson, LB, Nevada. He's a versatile linebacker (can play inside or outside) who will make an impact on special teams.

Fifth round: Ryan Miller, OL, Colorado. A projected backup who can play guard or tackle.

Sixth round: Emmanuel Acho, LB, Texas. Leading tackler for Texas last season lacks range for NFL starter.

Sixth round: Billy Winn, DL, Boise State. Questionable work ethic caused this middle-round prospect to fall.

Seventh round: Trevin Wade, CB, Arizona. A finesse cover man who projects to be a nickel back.

Seventh round: Brad Smelley, FB-TE, Alabama. A hybrid player on offense who needs to contribute on special teams to stick around.