With the Cleveland Browns picking in the #4 spot of the up-coming Draft, provided they do not trade down, there are numerous opinions as to what the major needs of the Browns are along with who they should pick. There is a great deal of speculation being thrown about suggesting who the Browns should grab, however there are also many articles stating who the Browns should steer clear of, who they should not pick.

After reading a well thought out article over at Walk The Line Sports, an article titled "Saying “No” to Morris Claiborne and Ryan Tannehill", where Jason gives a wonderful explanation as to why he would pass on these two athletes I naturally felt compelled to give my opinion. So therefore, with coffee in hand and a great deal of respect for all these young athletes--here it is!

If the Browns use the #4 pick on Tannehill it would truly be a sign that they are desperate, so desperate that they would spend such a valuable pick on a young quarterback with 19 games under his belt that although talented--was much less impressive than others--such as Andrew Luck or Robert Grifin III. Tannehill can best be described as a "project", one that needs to sit behind a seasoned QB and gain from that benefit--where does this fit the Browns scheme.

The Browns already have a young QB who is struggling to find his identity in Clevelands West Coast Offense--one named Colt McCoy. McCoy, drafted in the third round has a much more impressive College resume than Tannehill--leaving College as the winning-est QB along with the highest completion rate, so how does one justify picking at #4 in the first round a QB such as Tannehill, who I might add was barely on the medias radar until the RGIII soap opera lost it's flavor!

It is no secret to anyone that the Browns offense last season was dysfunctional and can be summed up as simply "offensive"--enter the Trent Richardson versus Justin Blackmon slug-fest!

Those in favor of Richardson, a very powerful and talented running-back, have gone so far as to suggest that he will automatically improve the entire offense--yes, I have actually read that. What I find flawed about such a statement is last seasons ever present breakdown of the offensive line. How does having a powerful running-back, which we already had in Peyton Hillis improve the offensive lines ability to open holes for said running-back. Simply put--without a passing attack to keep the opposing teams defense honest and open up the field our opponent will stack the box with defenders as they did last season and dare the Browns to run the ball!

On the flip side of that coin and taking into consideration what many consider a glaring need we have Justin Blackmon, a very talented receiver. Numerous problems have been discussed regarding last seasons lack of a passing game, dropped passes, running the wrong route and of course the performance of QB Colt McCoy. Blackmon is a very talented and athletic receiver capable of being a wonderful addition to the Browns receiving corp, but here is the problem--remember the "thing" about the offensive line?

It does not matter if the Browns had "Megatron" scampering down the sideline if McCoy is laid out flat like a busted pinata--Ala--James Harrison! The receiver must have time to get what little separation he can achieve not to mention get down the field, this all happening while the QB is still in the upright position! So, for Richardson to be effective he must have an offensive line capable of opening holes, doing so while being out-maned by a stacked defense, and Blackmon would benefit from that same offensive line being able to hold long enough for him to get down field to receive a pass from a QB who is not running for his life.

Conclusion:

The Browns have to many glaring needs on offense to entertain any thoughts that grabbing players the caliber of Richardson or Blackmon would add any significant improvement due to such multiple needs. Although Richardson is the frontrunner when speaking of running-backs available via the draft there are others that can be chosen later that could fit the Browns needs. Blackmon on the other hand is not that far above other receivers that can be had later also, this could open the door for the Browns to have a greater ability to address other positions that need upgrades. Although not a popular opinion, if the Browns can trade down, grabbing another pick they will further arm themselves with the ability to improve vital positions while also addressing the need for a running-back and receiver--it just won't be the "flavor of the week" variety!