Let the talk begin

More than three months remain before the NFL conducts its annual draft, but it's not too early to begin conjecture.

It's become a January routine for Browns fans that are accustomed to high first-round picks. This year the Browns will select fourth overall. They also own the Atlanta Falcons' first-round choice, which has yet to be determined because they're in the playoffs.

Most of the early conjecture centers on Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III and Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon. USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil is probably out of the mix, as is Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck.

The key for the Browns is what the Minnesota Vikings do with the third pick. The Vikings drafted quarterback Christian Ponder in the first round last season, but they might look at Griffin as a rare talent. If that's the case, they might be willing to trade Ponder and pick Griffin.

A more probable scenario is trading down (the Washington Redskins and Miami Dolphins are possibilities) and picking up more picks. The team trading up would undoubtedly pick Griffin.

Blackmon's stock skyrockted with an outstanding performance in the Fiesta Bowl. He doesn't have great speed, but he makes up for it with tremendous strength off the line and great hands. He'd be a matchup nightmare for small cornerbacks that aren't good at playing a physical style.

Alabama running back Trent Richardson can't be left out of the mix. The 2011 Heisman Trophy winner would add an element of outside speed that's missing with Peyton Hillis, but he's also strong running between the tackles.

Browns coach Pat Shurmur admitted last week that he's wacthed Griffin. Shurmur said that a talent like Griffin could fit into any style of offense, including the West Coast that he deploys.

Of course, the Browns could always shake up things and trade up with the Indianapolis Colts, who have the first pick, and take Luck. They'd have to pay a King's ransom, but it would be worth it if Luck is as good as advertised.