Cleveland Browns: 5 former players who should play in the XFL

10 Feb 2001: A general view of the XFL's official SkyCam during the game between the Los Angeles Xtreme and the Chicago Enforcers at the L.A. Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. The Xtreme defeated the Enforcers 39-32.Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn /Allsport
10 Feb 2001: A general view of the XFL's official SkyCam during the game between the Los Angeles Xtreme and the Chicago Enforcers at the L.A. Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. The Xtreme defeated the Enforcers 39-32.Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn /Allsport /
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DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 23: Running back Trent Richardson
DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 23: Running back Trent Richardson /

Trent Richardson, RB

When the Browns traded up one spot during the 2012 NFL Draft to select Alabama’s Trent Richardson, it seemed to be a good move. At the time, he was viewed as a can’t miss prospect.

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While it was likely Richardson would have been there at four, Cleveland was convinced enough to move up and make certain he landed in Cleveland. Well, the Richardson tenure in NE Ohio did not last long.

The former Crimson Tide star RB’s running style was and still is of the bruising mentality with a one speed approach. Richardson had a great first season compiling 950 yards and 11 touchdowns but his career went downhill fast.

Just two games into his second season, Cleveland traded Richardson to the Indianapolis Colts for their 2014 first-round pick. That draft selection turned out to be quarterback Johnny Manziel.

Combining Richardson’s second and third seasons, he rushed for just 1,082 yards and three touchdowns.

After the 2014 season, Richardson was looking for a new team and joined the Oakland Raiders and then the Baltimore Ravens. However, he did not play in a regular season game for either of those teams.

Being affiliated with four teams and appearing in games for just two of them as quickly as he did cetainly personifies the term “draft bust” for the Browns. Richardson has since joined the CFL but who knows how long he will be able to play up there.

Joining the NFL again is not going to happen. However, maybe between the CFL and XFL, Richardson could play the game he enjoys as long as he can.