Browns take Alabama TE/FB Smelley

By TOM WITHERS

BEREA, Ohio (AP) The Cleveland Browns closed their NFL draft by selecting versatile Alabama fullback Brady Smelley, reuniting him with college teammate Trent Richardson.

Smelley was used mostly as an H-back in a variety of formations for the Crimson Tide. He said Richardson, who was taken by the Browns with the No. 3 overall pick, put in a good word for him with Cleveland's coaches.

The 6-foot-1, 233-pounder developed into a dangerous offensive weapon last season for the national champions. Smelley caught 34 passes for 356 yards and four touchdowns. He had seven receptions in Alabama's 21-0 win over LSU in the BCS title game.

Smelley played quarterback in high school but bulked up when he joined coach Nick Saban's `Bama program.

Updated April 28, 2012