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Cleveland Browns select Trent Richardson No. 3 in 2012 NFL Draft

TUSCALOOSA AL - SEPTEMBER 11: Trent Richardson #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide rushes against Devon Still #71 of the Penn State Nittany Lions at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 11 2010 in Tuscaloosa Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA AL - SEPTEMBER 11: Trent Richardson #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide rushes against Devon Still #71 of the Penn State Nittany Lions at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 11 2010 in Tuscaloosa Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA AL - SEPTEMBER 11: Trent Richardson #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide rushes against Devon Still #71 of the Penn State Nittany Lions at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 11 2010 in Tuscaloosa Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Getty Images

After missing out on Robert Griffin III, and not sucking enough for Andrew Luck, the Cleveland Browns got their man. By trading up with the Minnesota Vikings, the Browns have drafted Alabama running back Trent Richardson.

Richardson gives the listless Browns offense an identity and a sure weapon. The AFC North is a rough and tumble division. Without Peyton Hillis, the Browns didn't have a player who could hit back on offense. With Richardson, they now have one.

Even after the trade, the Browns still have four of the first 100 picks in this year’s draft. Now we’ll find out if they like Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden as much as some reports suggest.

Quick scouting thoughts: When reviewing Richardson’s game, it’s hard to find negatives. He’s a complete running back in every sense and would be the rare running back worth an early first-round pick.

For more on the Cleveland Browns, check out Dawgs By Nature. Get more from SB Nation at their 2012 NFL Draft StoryStream here.

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