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2012 NFL Mock Draft: Cleveland Browns Could Take Robert Griffin III And Kendall Wright In First Round

In their last season at Baylor, QB Robert Griffin III and WR Kendall Wright were one of the most unstoppable pass-and-catch combinations in recent memory, with Wright making 108 catches for 1,668 yards and 16 TD's.

Now, in Mel Kiper's latest mock draft, the ESPN analyst speculates that the Cleveland Browns, who have the No. 4 and No. 24 picks in the first round, may try to re-unite the two in the NFL:

Given the makeup of the roster, and the fact that they have two first-round picks and can really enhance the level of young talent, I think the Browns are far more likely to look at a young QB prospect than get into the bidding war for a veteran like Manning, or even Matt Flynn. One question I have is whether Cleveland stays at this spot and hopes Griffin is still around, or gets aggressive and moves up to No. 2 and guarantees they get their guy. Given his experience, leadership qualities and overall skill set, I don't see it as much of a leap for Griffin to be a Week 1 starter in 2012.

Cleveland needs help at wide receiver but may not be able to get it in free agency, and Wright is a player who can provide an element the Browns don't have right now. The pick makes sense on both need and value. Wright quietly had a season that almost matched Blackmon's in the Big 12. Greg Little was inconsistent but certainly showed a lot of promise as a rookie, and Wright is a good complement. He's smaller at about 5-10, 190 pounds, but adds a speed threat this offense really needs. He'll stretch the field with speed. The Browns need weapons, and Wright fits the profile.

While it seemingly makes sense to give a young QB a familiar target at WR to help with his adjustment to the next level, no NFL team in the last decade has drafted two college teammates at those positions in the first round.

Photographs by jamesbrandon, jdtornow, phlezk, flygraphix, mcdlttx, tomasland, and literalbarrage used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.