The Cleveland Browns chose running back Trent Richardson with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.

The Browns traded with the Minnesota Vikings to move up from No. 4 to No. 3 in order to take Richardson.

The Browns last chose a running back in the first round of the draft in 2002 when they selected William Green from Boston College with the No. 16 overall pick. Defensive back Antonio Langham was their last first-rounder from the University of Alabama back in 1994.

During his press conference at the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine, Richardson expressed his desire to be considered an all-around back, one capable of staying on the field for any and all situations.

“I’m going to be the dude that’s on the field on third-and-three or getting the ball on third-and-three or fourth-and-one. I’m a whole, complete back,” Richardson said. “Not to be cocky or anything, but I work on my game every day and even if it’s not doing physical stuff, I work in the classroom learning plays, learning formations, learning the defensive line and what the linebackers are doing, trying to see what the safety’s doing and if I can pick up my blitzes.”

In three years at Alabama, Richardson ran for 3,130 yards and 35 touchdowns on 540 carries. He split time over his first two seasons with Heisman Trophy-winning running back Mark Ingram, who was taken by the New Orleans Saints in last April’s draft.

Last fall, the former University of Alabama standout rushed for 1,679 yards and 21 touchdowns on 283 carries. Whether it was around, over, or in some cases, through defenders, Richardson was going to find a way to gain yards and score points.

“When it comes down to if you’re going to hit me or I’m going to hit you, nine times out of 10, I’m trying to hit you,” Richardson said at the Combine. “I love contact. I love running the ball. I love having the ball in my hands on first and second down. When I can, I love putting a team on my back when we can’t throw the ball or it’s a rainy day or something like that. I just love that pressure. You’ve just got to love the game to do what we do.”