It really doesn't matter what myself, or any Brown fan, thought of the draft AT THAT TIME, as far as any relevancy to the current situation.
Everyone knows that 1st round picks, even though players had stellar college careers, that it doesn't always translate into success at the NFL level. The list of names is endless. There is always a risk involved. But that is the chance every NFL takes, and basically have to.
I never "soured" on the drafting of Richardson. All I've said was that I understand the direction the new ownership, and coaching staff, are trying to take this offense, and that players like Richardson and Weeden, aren't the style of players that they feel will help them achieve that. They didn't draft these guys, and so they have every right, since the ownership hired (entrusted) them, to then build THEIR team in accordance to the scheme they think will bring a greater chance of success.
I like Richardson. I had no problem when they drafted him either. He was a stellar RB at Alabama and we needed a RB. My only concern THEN was that he did have an injury history. And he played hurt his rookie year too, and even had two broken ribs. And in the first two games his numbers weren't that impressive either. Now that wasn't all his fault, but again, I just don't think he is the type/style of RB that Chud/Turner want to build the future on.
And look at his numbers so far in his brief career. They aren't the numbers of a "elite" RB for sure. If the Browns thought TR was going to live up to their original intentions they wouldn't have traded him. He has a 3.5 yds/carry and only three 100 yard games.
So maybe the NEW management felt his trade value would only continue to decrease over time, and trading him now would be their best opportunity to maximize his trade value? Possible? Only time will tell.
One can say that about a majority of NFL teams. A lot of times it's a coin flip with 1st round picks because, again, stellar college talent does not translate into success in the NFL. Look at the current number of highly touted 1st round picks that have failed or are struggling to the point the pundits, and fans, are starting to ask questions.
Check this article out on NFL 1st round draft history since 1995.....
http://www.cstv.com/genrel/040805aaa.html
And here's another one. Go back to 1999 (when the Browns came back), and go up through 2008, year-by-year, and look at all the busts .....
http://www.nfl.com/draft/history/ful...=round1#round1
So yeah, the Browns management is going to have to do their "homework" like any teams does by the way. But the Browns’ current brain trust shouldn’t be handcuffed by the decisions of their predecessors (who are gone for good reason), and maybe, just maybe (time will tell) should receive credit for being
bold enough to make such a drastic move just 1 1/2 years after drafting/anointing Richardson as a key piece to their franchise’s future. But that wasn't the current owner/management.
The 2014 QB class has a lot more to offer then last year's. And while Manziel is getting all the hype, I don't know if he is the best, or even a 1st round pick. We'll see. He has his flaws as far as an NFL-style QB and chances of "elite-hood".
Teddy Bridgewater/Louisville (only a Jr though)
Marcus Mariota/Oregon
Tajh Boyd/Clemson
Aaron Murray/Georgia
David Fales/San Jose State
AJ McCarron/Alabama
And there are others in the class.
And yes, the Browns will be in position to draft one. Who? I have no idea. Will any of these players succeed in the NFL? Your guess is as good as mine. LOL