Thanks to the shaky play on the right side of the Browns offensive line—specifically right tackle—during the 2011-12 season, Cleveland would select the 6’5, 317 pound Mitchell Schwartz with the 37th overall pick.

While many Browns fans may criticize the selection of Schwartz as a reach by passing on offensive tackle Riley Reiff for quarterback Brandon Weeden in the first round, and higher-rated tackles such as Cordy Glenn and Jonathan Martin in the second round, the selection of Schwartz may be the most important pick in the entire 2012 NFL Draft for Cleveland.

Schwartz, a four-year starter at Cal, would play in all 51 possible games for the Golden Bears. Schwartz would also demonstrate his versatility by playing 35 games at left tackle and 16 games at right tackle.

According to NFL mock website, WalterFootball.com, Schwartz was rated as the sixth best offensive tackle prospect. Schwartz was projected to go to either late in the second round or the top of the top of the third round.

Schwartz, due to his strength as a run blocker and pass-blocking may have appealed to Cleveland and their new feature tailback in Trent Richardson.

The selection of Schwartz not only gives Cleveland a formidable offensive line anchored by Pro Bowlers in left tackle Joe Thomas and—fellow Cal alum—in center Alex Mack, but also gives Cleveland’s new offensive cornerstones in Weeden and Richardson some much needed protection in both the running and passing game.

Thanks to Schwartz, Weeden—or Colt McCoy—will have finally have time to go through their progressions to targets downfield in wide receivers Joshua Cribbs, Greg Little, Mohamed Massaqoui, set up a screen pass to Richardson or even run play-action to speedsters Travis Benjamin and Jordan Norwood.

Schwartz may not have been the glamour pick that many in the Dawg Pound wanted, but with him, the Browns West Coast offense may finally get a chance to live up to its big-play potential.

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Wallace, widely regarded as one of the premier vertical threats in the NFL, due to his blazing vertical speed in Pittsburgh, may have helped influence their arch-rivals in the selection of the otherwise un-heralded Benjamin.

While many Browns fans were clamoring for the likes of more well-known receivers such as Justin Blackmon, Michael Floyd, Rueben Randle, Stephen Hill, Kendall Wright and Mohamed Sanu, Cleveland would select the 5’10, 172-pound speedster with the 100th overall pick in the fourth round.

The addition of Benjamin gives the Browns a vertical threat that can stretch the field—and give soon-to-be new starting quarterback Brandon Weeden—a real burner on the outside.

They say that speed kills, and if there was a area that the Browns sorely lacked in was speed—especially at the wideout position, Benjamin, who would run a 4.36 in the 40-yard dash gives the other-wise slow and anemic Browns offense a much-needed jolt in the passing game.

Benjamin would catch 41 passes for 609 yards and score three touchdowns for the Hurricanes during the 2011-12 season, and for his four-year career, would record 131 receptions for 2,146 yards and score 13 touchdowns.

One of the possible factors in Cleveland selecting the man nicknamed the “Belle Grade Blur” could be his ability to be used in the return game, as Benjamin would average 11.0 yards per return on punts and 23.7 yards per return on kickoffs.

The Browns and their 24th ranked passing attack hope that Benjamin brings some of the legendary swagger of “The U” along with his Mike Wallace-like speed to the shores of Lake Erie.

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The Cleveland Browns would select the 28-year old Weeden with the 22nd pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Weeden, 28, would pass for 4,727 yards, and throw 37 touchdowns and 13 interceptions for the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the 2011-12 season. And in two years as a starter, Weeden would throw for 9,004 yards and throw 61 touchdowns and 26 interceptions down in Stillwater.

Weeden would complete 29-of-42 passes for 399 yards in a 41-38 upset of Stanford in overtime in the Tositos Fiesta Bowl.

Weeden, who has been rumored to be a possible target of the Browns in either the late first round or in the early second round, gives the Browns a plug-and-play option at quarterback, is expected to challenge incumbent Colt McCoy for the starting quarterback job in Cleveland during minicamp and pre-season.

While some may criticize the Brown’s selection of Weeden at No.22 due to his age, the soon-to-be 29-year old Weeden, gives the Browns a veteran and real leader under center.

Unlike McCoy, Weeden has the arm strength to drive the ball downfield during the cold and windy months on the shores of Lake Erie, and while he may lack McCoy’s ability and accuracy to scramble, Weeden’s ability to find open players is a much-needed upgrade over the–sometimes shaky and tenative–McCoy.

Another factor to consider is that at 6’3, Weeden–unlike the 6’1 McCoy–has a much better chance of seeing down field and a less likely chance of having his ball batted at the line of scrimmage.

Was the selection of Weeden at No. 22 too high? Only time will tell. but the selection of Weeden not only shows that the Browns are not truly sold on McCoy, but may be looking to go in a different direction entirely.

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In a move that was wildly speculated after running back Peyton Hillis would leave for Kansas City, the Cleveland Browns select the two-time BCS national champion tailback out Alabama with the fourth overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Cleveland, long rumored to be enamored with Richardson, would send their fourth round pick (No.118), fifth round pick (No. 139) and a seventh round pick (no. 211) to Minnesota to move up one slot from No.4 to No.3

Richardson, a 5’9, 228-pound combination of speed, power and versatility, Richardson will the Browns a legitimate home run threat out of the backfield as a runner and as a receiver due to his ability to pick up blitzes, catch balls on screens out of the backfield and run hard inside.

Richardson has all of the physical tools and vision to play in the rigged AFC North and will immediately become a impact player in Cleveland, Richardson, with his ability to run and catch, will open up the Browns anemic offense by causing teams to honor the run game, thus allowing quarterback Colt McCoy to attack downfield on play action.

For the Browns, they finally show some aggressiveness in going after, and securing a much needed playmaker on offense.

With the Browns in such a rugged division that features top-heavy defenses in Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Cincinnati, the pick of Richardson is not only the best pick for Cleveland, but a much-need positive step in the right direction on offense.

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Hill, a 6’4 215-pound wide receiver out of Georgia Tech has been linked to the Browns in various mock drafts at No. 22.

Hill, who would catch 28 passes for 820 yards and five touchdowns, has seen his stock rise thanks in part to running an impressive 4.3 at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Hill would impress scouts with his route-running and blazing speed, and despite being in a pre-dominantly run-option offense down in Georgia Tech, Hill would solidify his status as a late first-round pick.

What may make Hill such an appealing target for the Browns at No.22—or at No. 37 in the second round—is his athletic upside and ability to get downfield.

Hill, who has a rare combination of speed and size for his position, would be a perfect fit in Cleveland’s West Coast offense by taking some pressure off of wide receiver Greg Little, and provide quarterback Colt McCoy a tall and speedy target who can stretch the field.

If there is one area that the Browns sorely lacked in the 2011-12 season was speed.  The addition of Hill would not only remedy that, but also provide a much needed playmaker who can inject some much-needed life into Cleveland’s otherwise stagnant and lackluster offense.

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After finishing 4-12 during the 2011-12 season with the NFL’s easiest schedule, the Browns would be rewarded with the third toughest strength of schedule of .527 based on last year’s opponents wins and losses.

Cleveland will face opponents from the NFC East (Philadelphia, New York , Washington, Dallas) AFC West (Kansas City, Denver, San Diego, Oakland) AFC East neighbor Buffalo at home, Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts on the road and AFC North rivals Baltimore, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh home and away.

In addition to facing both AFC Wild Card finalists—and division rivals—Cincinnati and Pittsburgh twice, the Browns must also travel on the road to face the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants in Week 5 and AFC West Division champion Denver Broncos and newly-acquired four-time NFL Most Valuable Player in quarterback Peyton Manning at Mile High.

Based on the current strength of schedule and pre-draft personnel are projected results.

Week 1 – Philadelphia Eagles (L)

Week 2 – @Cincinnati Bengals (L)

Week 3 – Buffalo Bills (L)

Week 4 – @Baltimore Ravens (L)

Week 5 – @New York Giants (W) Based on the Browns recent penchant of upsetting the defending Super Bowl champions the following year, (Steelers ‘09, Saints ‘10) and the Giants in 2008 on a nationally televised game on Monday Night Football, this is my upset special.

The Browns should be 0-4 at this point and heading into Gotham as a heavy underdog against a Giants team that will most likely be in the midst of it’s own brutal schedule—which is the toughest in the NFL with a strength of schedule of .547—has no Mario Manningham to take pressure off of Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks, and no Brandon Jacobs to use in short yardage and goal-line situations, New York should be in the throes of the dreaded “Super Bowl hangover” this game may look like a easy win on paper, but if the Giants take the Browns too lightly, this Week 5 matchup may prove to be the ultimate trap game for the champions. Browns 21 Giants 17

Week 6 – Cincinnati Bengals (L)

Week 7 – @Indianapolis Colts (W) In one of two projected wins, The Browns defeat Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts handily, with the losses of center Jeff Saturday to Green Bay, tight end Jacob Tamme to Denver, wide receivers Pierre Garcon and Anthony Gonzalez to both Washington and New England and a rookie coaching staff, Cleveland should easily earn it’s second win of 2012-13. Browns 24 Colts 10

Week 8 – San Diego Chargers (L)

Week 9 – Baltimore Ravens (L)

Week 10 – BYE

Week 11 – @Dallas Cowboys (L)

Week 12 – Pittsburgh Steelers (L)

Week 13 – @Oakland Raiders (L)

Week 14 – Kansas City Chiefs (L) In what may be the most anticipated game on the Browns schedule outside of the Week 12 matchup against arch-rival Pittsburgh, the Chiefs game is noted due to the return of former head coach Romeo Crennel, one-time civic hero in Chiefs running back Peyton Hillis and native Ohioan and former quarterback Brady Quinn to Cleveland Browns Stadium.

In what should be an interesting game due to the irony of Quinn and Hillis being traded for each other, and now on the same team together facing their mutual former team in Cleveland, look for Hillis to have a big game.

Week 15 – Washington Redskins (W) In their last home game of the 2012-12 season, the Browns go out in style with a win over the Robert Griffin III-led Redskins in what should be a cold, windy and snowy Cleveland Browns Stadium.

At this point in the season, Browns quarterback Colt McCoy has been benched due to poor play and backup quarterback (insert either Brandon Weeden/Ryan Tannehill) has injected a new energy into the Browns stagnant offense. Cleveland is now merely playing for the top pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. Browns 24 Redskins 13

Week 16 – @Denver Broncos (L)

Week 17 – @Pittsburgh Steelers (L)

To conclude, this is all hypothetical and based on the current strength of schedule and personnel, depending on what moves Cleveland makes in the draft by either selecting Alabama running back Trent Richardson to revitalize the running game, Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon, who could come in and become a No.1 receiver in Cleveland and provide the Browns with a much-needed downfield weapon.

Cleveland could also choose to reach for Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Ryan Tannehill at No.4 or Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback in Weeden at No.22. 2012-13 projects to be a year full of struggle and will provide answers to the question of whether or not McCoy can lead the Browns.

While many want to see him succeed, Cleveland and it’s brutal schedule will be his un-doing in 2012-13 and look for Cleveland to finish—at best, 3-13—and select USC quarterback Matt Barkley with the first overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Look for a 2012 post-NFL Draft follow-up column with updated projections.

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This past weekend, I would write an opinion column, “2012 NFL Draft : Why The Possibility Of Taking Stanford TE Coby Fleener At #22 Is Bad News For Cleveland Browns TE Evan Moore”, a piece on why the Cleveland Browns may look at Fleener due to the recent success of the New England Patriots in using two tight end sets during their Super Bowl XLIV run in 2012.

Shortly after the article was posted, I would receive a response via Twitter from Browns tight end, Evan Moore himself.

Was just forwarded your article. I won’t be a free agent until 2014 and played in all 16 games last yr without a single injury. Direct message sent by Evan Moore (@evanmoore89) to you (@RobertCobb_76) on Apr 07, 1:50 AM. evanmoore89 Evan Moore

This is probably why you have only 300 followers. Be responsible and do your research before speaking abt someone in a public forum. Direct message sent by Evan Moore (@evanmoore89) to you (@RobertCobb_76) on Apr 07, 1:50 AM. evanmoore89 Evan Moore

I don’t usually reach out to writers but speaking irresponsibly abt injuries is just that: irresponsible journalism. Direct message sent by Evan Moore (@evanmoore89) to you (@RobertCobb_76) on Apr 07, 1:55 AM. evanmoore89 Evan Moore

Moore would go on to refute what I had written calling it “irresponsible journalism” and that I needed to “do your research before speaking about someone in a public forum”

While I can understand Moore’s frustration that my article may have hit home on a sub-conscious level, his method in responding with three inappropriate direct messages was out of line.

Like Moore, I do not normally respond to hate mail or to critics in a column, but when one of my columns is called “irresponsible” I felt that a proper rebuttal was needed.

It is not “irresponsible journalism” when it is both common knowledge and fact that Moore—who has the potential to be a impact player in Cleveland—has had issues in staying fully healthy.

I will concede that I made one error in incorrectly stating that he will be a free agent at the end of the 2012-13 season, which I did correct and change to 2013-14, but to go after me in the way and manner(via direct message, when I could not properly offer a response) was not only un-wise, but also unprofessional.

I’m actually a big supporter of Moore and have wrote at length on how he has the potential—and talent—of becoming the Browns version of Antonio Gates on a column in Rant Sports last year, but after Moore’s comments—and the lack of Twitter followers that I have—that may change.

As a journalist, I was merely stating an opinion—which is protected by the First Amendment—that did not in anyway slander or disparage Mr. Moore and his various on-field accomplishments in Cleveland, and I wish him a very productive and healthy year in 2012-13.

I would also wish that the next time Moore accuses another writer or blogger of writing something “irresponsible” that he would look in the mirror before responding.

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Randle, a 6’3 210-pound wide receiver from LSU would catch 33 passes for 544 yards and three touchdowns in 2010 before emerging as LSU’s top receiver by catching 53 receptions for 917 yards and eight touchdowns for the Tigers in 2011.

Randle would also average 17.3 yards per receptions for the Tigers.

Randle would be held three receptions for 13 yards by Alabama Crimson Tide cornerback—and projected first round pick, Dre Kirkpatrick—during LSU’s 21-0 loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Allstate BCS National Championship Game in New Orleans.

Randle, who would also struggle against the Crimson Tide secondary during the Tiger’s 9-6 win in catching two passes for 19 yards, would hurt his draft stock by running a 4.54 in the 40-yard dash at the Scouting Combine, would run a 4.42 at LSU’s Pro Day, may still struggle at the next level due to his inability to gain separation and lack of elite explosion.

While Randle has a combination of good body control, smooth acceleration and fluid route-running, his lack of bulk may be an issue against the more physical—and faster—cornerbacks in the NFL.

Randle, who has a knack for adjusting to throws and excels at running slants in the short and intermediate areas of the field, may excel as a “X-receiver” in the West Coast Offense, which may appeal to teams such as Cleveland.

Randle’s underrated ability at downfield blocking on run plays may also appeal to the Browns in the run-heavy, smash-mouth AFC North.

Currently projected as a late-first to early second rounder, Randle may be a possible target of the Browns at either No.22 in the later part of the first round or with their second round pick at No. 37.

While Randle may not be a number one receiver in Cleveland, Randle would transition nicely as a solid No.2 opposite wide receiver Greg Little and give quarterback Colt McCoy another target to throw to.

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Despite have various needs at quarterback, running back, wide receiver and offensive line, the Cleveland Browns decide that in a “passing league” it may be wise to have a duo of shutdown corners in both Joe Haden and Claiborne.

At 5’11 and 188 pounds, Claiborne is a combination of speed, power and top-tier skill, that can be used in either man-to-man coverage or zone. Claiborne, an unanimous All-American selection in 2011, would win the Jim Thorpe Award, which is awarded to the nation’s best defensive player would be named Second-Team SEC in 2010 and First Team SEC in 2011.

In being paired with Haden, Claiborne would provide the fifth best passing defense in the NFL in Cleveland with a legitimate shut down cornerback along the likes of New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis and Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha in a division that has quarterbacks in Ben Roethlisberger, Joe Flacco and Andy Dalton.

Whether it is wise for Cleveland to pass over elite offensive playmakers such as Justin Blackmon and Trent Richardson remains to be seen, but the recent wrist injury to Claiborne does not appear to be hurting his stock too much among teams in the top ten of the 2012 NFL Draft.

For such a offensively-challenged team such as the Browns to draft Claiborne shows a commitment to defense and a willingness to compete in today’s era of pass-happy offenses.

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After selecting former LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne fourth in the Rant Sports 2012 NFL Mock Draft, Cleveland addresses a key area of need by selecting the 6’2, 215-pound Sierra Leone-born, New Jersey native in Sanu.

Sanu, one of the most versatile wide receivers in the entire 2012 NFL Draft, would see some time at running back his freshman and sophomore years for the Scarlet Knights, before having a breakout junior year by catching 115 passes for 1,206 yards and seven touchdowns.

During his freshman year, Sanu would have 51 catches for 639 yards and three touchdowns and rush for 346 yards on 62 carries and score five touchdowns.

In his sophomore year, Sanu would catches 44 passes for 418 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 309 yards on 59 carries and score four touchdowns.

Currently projected as a early to mid second-round pick, Sanu is a good route-runner, who has the ability to get open and make plays downfield, Sanu also has a knack for making tough catches in traffic.

In picking Sanu, Cleveland lands a solid, athletic and dynamic playmaker in Sanu who opposite wide receiver Greg Little, can form a formidable wide receiver duo for the Browns, and either current Browns quarterback Colt McCoy—or another quarterback—a playmaker to throw to.

The addition of Sanu and his ability to be used at different positions, would give the Browns another—and younger version—of current Browns wide receiver/return specialist, Joshua Cribbs.

If Cleveland does indeed draft Sanu, the Browns may be able to move Cribbs back to his natural—and best—position on special teams.

I have been high on Sanu since the end of the Browns 2011-12 regular season, and while Justin Blackmon and Michael Floyd make give the Browns a legit playmaker at wide receiver, Sanu and his ability to be used as a running back, wide receiver and in kick returns, makes Sanu a real steal either at #22 or early in the second round for the Browns.

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