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2012 NFL Draft: Cleveland Browns Draft OT Mitchell Schwartz at No. 37 Overall

Feb 23, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; California Bears offensive lineman Mitchell Schwartz speaks at a press conference during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE
Feb 23, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; California Bears offensive lineman Mitchell Schwartz speaks at a press conference during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

There was a lot of projected first-round talent on the board still when the Cleveland Browns were on the clock at No. 37 overall. After taking a running back and a quarterback on Thursday, prognosticators expected Cleveland's front office to address either the wide receiver or offensive line position. When the pick came in, it was offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz of California.

Before you say, "who?", we can't get upset about this pick just because big "names" like Cordy Glenn and Jonathan Martin were still on the board. Even though Glenn had some experience at tackle, there were questions as to whether he would be able to make the transition from guard to tackle in the NFL. Martin had primarily served as a left tackle in college. Mitchell started 35 games at left tackle and 16 games at right tackle at California, showing consistency at both positions.

Honestly, between Glenn, Martin, or [the eventual pick] Schwartz, the bottom line is that you have to be happy that the team now has a starting right tackle. No longer do we have to suffer through the revolving door at right tackle, and you can say that all five of our offensive linemen are pretty young, one that can grow with Trent Richardson and Brandon Weeden for years to come.

Mitchell is 6-5, 318 pounds. That might be average size, but the fact that he never missed a start has to remind you of Joe Thomas' streak in the NFL. Bobbie Massie was probably under consideration here too, and he had more experience at right tackle, but the team never brought him in for a visit.

What do you think about the Browns picking Schwartz?