National Football League

Browns take Alabama TE/FB Smelley

Published Apr. 28, 2012 8:48 p.m. ET

foxsports

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.