State of the Browns: Running Backs

Editor's note: In the coming days, No Logo Needed will address the different areas of the Browns offense, defense and special teams by looking back on the 2009 season and looking ahead to the 2010 offseason and beyond.

By Aaron Ziraks
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writer

The Browns had a rough year running the ball until the last three games of the season. Entering the season, it looked like the Browns might be able to squeeze one more productive year out of Jamal Lewis, but that didn't turn out to be the case.

Jamal Lewis - D
This grade would be an F, but I will give Lewis a small token of credit. He runs hard. The seven unnecessary steps he takes before he hits a hole had really made him ineffective. Retirement is the best thing for Lewis at this point in his career.

Jerome Harrison - A
For some reason Harrison did not play much until the last quarter of the season. He either rubbed Mangini the wrong way or simply wasn't practicing hard enough to warrant time. Either way, when he got on the field he proved he could play. It was a pleasant surprise and good timing on Harrison's part as his contract is up.

Chris Jennings - C
Jennings is a nice player, but not a world beater. He is young and willing to put the time in, but he needs more time to develop. How he shows up for camp next year will say a lot about his future with the organization.

James Davis - INC
With the injury, it is really hard to say if he will be a productive pro. Davis could be a steal and prove he has staying power in the NFL if he can get a shot next season.

Lawrence Vickers - A
Vickers is one of the best lead blockers in the NFL. He mixes it up and is always the first one there when things get chippy. Plain and simple, if he wasn't playing football he would be running into brick walls for the fun of it.

As a group, those players overachieved. I don't know if anyone expected them to have a great season because they don't look like much on paper. The surprise that was Jerome Harrison at the end of the season was pleasant to say the least. Lewis was the sour grape in the bunch, but even with him the Browns finished the season with a top-10 rushing offense. They finished as the ninth best in the NFL with 2,087 yards rushing. That is even more impressive when you think about how awful the Browns were in the passing game all year.

The Browns have three priorities. First, get James Davis healthy and find out for certain if he is going to be part of the rushing attack moving forward. Second, sign Harrison for a reasonable amount of money with incentives. He looked great in the last couple games, but I'm still a little skeptical. Finally, draft a bruiser. The Browns need a short-yardage back who can grind out a yard or two when needed on a key third down or at the goal line. I am not saying take someone in the first round, but with 11 picks getting a player in the sixth that can help with short yardage and keep Davis and Harrison from taking more abuse isn't a bad idea.

The Browns have a top five rushing offense next year led by Harrison, who is the real deal and Davis is a nice complement. If the Browns can find running backs that hit the hole hard they will be successful. The offensive line played spectacular at the end of the season. If they block like that in 2010, the Browns will be grinding out a lot of wins.

  January 18, 2010 at 12:22 PM

Comments

Who do you like as a bruiser coming out of this year's draft? I know it might take a 2/3 rounder, but Gerhart would fit the bill pretty nicely I'd think. Character guy, man-child, and has got the skills. Character issues aside, LeGarrette Blount might be a good option as well. Thoughts?

  January 18, 2010 at 10:57 AM by Sam

Instead of drafting a big back, why not pick up Lendale White? He's due to be an FA this year and is proven as a bruiser.

  January 18, 2010 at 11:01 AM by 32Forever

Blount could be a nice choice with one of our two third rounders

  January 18, 2010 at 11:19 AM by Doug

How about this guy? Can probably get him in a late round, since he wasn't utilized well this season...:

Jorvorskie Lane, Texas A&M
Height: 6-0. Weight: 285.
Projected 40 Time: 4.76.
Projected Round (2009): 7-FA.
1/5/09: Should have declared last year when he was a fourth-round prospect and a coaching change was made. No surprise that Mike Sherman didn't know how to utilize Jorvorskie Lane; Lane rushed for 93 yards and five touchdowns on just 35 carries.

5/26/08: Jorvorskie Lane continued to add to his rushing touchdown total, notching 16 in 2007. He had 780 yards on 169 carries, a 4.6 average.

2007: A two-ton truck with legs, Jorvorskie Lane is actually 30 pounds heavier than Jerome Bettis was. Scored 19 rushing touchdowns in 2006.

  January 18, 2010 at 11:19 AM by ProdigalFan

I like what you said about Harrison, could have been running for a new contract. Go defensive back (Berry or Haden) first round, then second or third round try to get Jonathan Dwyer, Ryan Matthews or Blount later in draft, then find a right tackle and a pass rushing defensive end since ours are so old

  January 18, 2010 at 11:32 AM by Pat

Regarding Blount, not sure what to think. On one hand, he would fit the bill of the big, bruising back, but on the other hand he is a jackass.

Gerhart may go too high. I'd rather see first and second round picks on defense.

LenDale White might be a good call. I'd like to see the Browns explore that option.

  January 18, 2010 at 11:48 AM by Don_NoLogoNeeded.com

Blount might be a good late round pick up. I'm not sure of any of our current guys in short yardage. I think you need a big bruiser on certain occasions.

  January 18, 2010 at 10:03 AM by John

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