The Browns made the first trade of the draft Thursday when they traded the fourth pick and a fourth (118), fifth (139) and seventh-round choice (211) to the Vikings to move up one spot. They won't make the pick until 8:30 or so, but presumably it will be Trent Richardson, the running back from Alabama regarded by some as the best player in the draft.

All along General Manager Tom Heckert said it is unlikely the Browns would trade up one spot, but they made the deal to make sure Tampa Bay or another team did not trade with the Vikings instead.

I had Richardson to the Browns in my mock draft. I like the pick, but it was a steep price to pay. The key is, though, the Browns retain picks 22, 37, 67 and pick 100. They can still get a wide receiver at 22, perhaps Weeden at 37 and an offensive tackle with their fourth round pick if they don't take one at 67. I don't see them taking four straight offensive players. I see them getting an outside linebacker or cornerback in the third round.

Richardson makes the offense instantly better. He is the best back since they returned to the NFL in 1999. If he stays healthy this will be remembered as a very good trade for both teams. The Vikings still get offensive tackle Matt Kalil plus three more draft choices.

News-Herald Browns beat writer Jeff Schudel and Sports Editor Mark Podolski preview this week's NFL draft, discuss the Browns' options in the first round, when the team will draft a quarterback, positions of need after the first two rounds and more.



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