Many fans are hoping the Browns will trade up to get the number 2 pick from the Rams and get RG III to improve on their passing and winning record.

By JAMES W. WADE III

Staff Reporter

Lately there’s been a lot of talk going around Cleveland and nationwide about Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III (RG3) going to the Cleveland Browns in the 2012 draft. As the draft stock of RG3 soars, so does the value of the No. 2 overall pick currently held by the St. Louis Rams.

While Andrew Luck still appears to be a lock at No. 1 overall choice, Griffin has become best choice of teams, not naming the Indianapolis Colts, coveting a QB. You can only imagine that teams have already started trying to move up to get him.

The Cleveland Browns have been the favorite of many insiders to land the pick, given they arguably have the most ammunition. Per a league source, Cleveland has offered the No. 4 overall pick, two second round picks and a fifth round pick, but not the No. 22 overall pick. However, if the No. 22 overall pick is a must for the Rams, while reluctant, the Browns would likely be willing to include it.

Every year Cleveland fans say wait until next year. Is starting Quarterback Colt McCoy really the answer? Many believe the Browns need a new quarterback and believe that the only conceivable option outside of Andrew Luck or Peyton Manning is RG III.

The question always becomes, “are the Browns ready to start a Black quarterback?” Recently we’ve seen Seneca Wallace start a few games due to McCoy getting hurt, but has never been named the season starter.

In 2011 there are only six Black starting quarterbacks in the National Football League. There are 32 teams in the NFL. The number has dropped from a record high of eight in 2008.

Over the years Clevelanders have seen Black quarterbacks on the team like Dave Mays who started 4 games, Spergon Wynn who started 1 game and Seneca Wallace who has started 7 games for the Browns.

Griffin is smart, charismatic and a leader. He's done nothing but impress in interviews and TV appearances. Griffin not only has the physical tools necessary to be a great NFL QB, but he also has the character, which can never be undersold.

In 1999, the Browns had to a chance to draft a Black quarterback like Donovan McNabb or Daunte Culpepper, but chose Tim Couch instead. McNabb and Culpepper went on to be pro bowlers in the NFL, while Couch was said to be driven to tears by the Cleveland fans for reportedly cheering when he was taken off the field after being injured.

CBSsports.com reported on Saturday that at least three teams are seriously considering deals to move up to No. 2: Washington (No. 6), Miami (No. 8) and Seattle (No. 12). It said the Browns (with the fourth and 22nd picks in the first round) are interested in trading up, but not as much as the other teams, and that the Redskins are the front-runners.

The plan for getting a good QB is simple. If you are in position to take a guy in the first round, you have to do it. It's much easier to work with the talented guys in the first round than to try and develop one who has less talent later in the draft.

That's why many say the Browns need to do whatever they can to get Griffin as their pick. His upside is to high pass up. And since the Browns haven’t had a top QB since Bernie Kosar, how can they rationalize not getting Griffin when the have a chance?

Griffin's combine performance only boosted his stock, despite the fact he didn't throw. On Sunday morning, he ran a 4.41 40, which was the fastest time for a quarterback since Reggie McNeal posted a 4.35 in 2006 and second-fastest since Mike Vick's 4.33 in 2001. Stanford's Andrew Luck turned in a 4.67, fourth among quarterbacks.

Quarterback is the most important position on the team and the Browns have seen that Griffin is an impressive all-around athlete and isn’t afraid to run and use his world-class speed if the situation calls for it. He’s a pass-first quarterback with above average arm strength, and his on-field swagger and winning attitude is contagious.

He has shown outstanding progression as a passer since his freshman year, but he needs to improve his pocket presence, looking to make too many of his throws outside the pocket.

Griffin was extremely productive in 2011 and set several career-highs as a junior (13 starts), going 291-for-402 (72.4 percent) for 4,293 yards, 37 touchdowns, 6 interceptions and 699 yards on 179 carries (3.9) and 10 scores. He earned several postseason awards after the 2011 season, including the Heisman Trophy and Davey O’ Brien award winner and was a First Team All-American and All-Big 12 honors. Griffin decided to forego his final season of eligibility and enter the 2012 NFL Draft.

RG III, who set or tied 54 school records in three full seasons at Baylor, finished the 2011 season with school records of 4,293 yards, 37 passing touchdowns and a passer efficiency rating of 189.5 (second-best in NCAA FBS history). RG3 led a powerhouse Baylor offensive attack that ranked second in total offense (587 ypg), fourth in scoring (45.3 ppg) and first in passing efficiency (191.2 rtg). He finished his collegiate career as one of three players in FBS history to top 10,000 career passing yards (school-record 10,366) and 2,000 career rushing yards (2,254).

Many fans are hoping the Browns will trade up to get the number 2 pick from the Rams and get RG III to improve on their passing and winning record.

This years NFL Draft will be held at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 26–28, 2012.