Browns Fans: Coming to Backfield Near You...

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With the impending combine, and the continuing purge of 30-something running backs, there is a very good possibility that Jerome Harrison will not have to be alone in Cleveland's backfield this coming season.

The NFL is a two-back system league right now in just about every team's case. Having more than one backfield weapon is important, especially with the carnage that these runners endure game after game, season after season.

There are going to be some pretty big names out there for Cleveland to consider, so where do they go?

LaDainian Tomlinson

LT was the first of the big name backs to get cut this week.

His decline in production has been well documented, but most analysts still say he's got some tread on the tires.

There were seven million reasons why San Diego decided to parts ways with him this year, which brings an end to a long tenure of excellence for LT and the Chargers.

LT will turn 31 this season and has a knack for finding the end zone, something Cleveland running backs could all take a lesson in.

His savvy in pass-protection game and ability to catch the ball out of the backfield makes him a real viable option for the Browns. I would be fine with having him split carries with Jerome Harrison.

Verdict: if the price and years are ok, go for it!

Brian Westbrook

Westbrook was the second of the big name running backs to be released this week.

He will 31 this season (I'm sensing a theme), and his last two seasons have been marred by concussions and diminished production.

I think that Westbrook can still be productive in a limited role for most teams in the league, but I don't think like him for the Browns.

Right now, the NFL has a real problem with concussions. We are hearing about more ex-players with mental health issues and brain damage, and soon the NFL will have to put some very strict measures in place—more than we added this past season.

I don't think Westbrook would be able to stay on the field, plain and simple. And for the money he'll likely ask for—it's not worth the risk.

God forbid he would play here, get seriously hurt, and sue the Browns for giving him brain damage.

Verdict: not for us

Thomas Jones

ESPN NFL Guru, John Clayton, expects Jones to be the next big name veteran runner to be released this week (pre-Mar. 5 roster bonus day).

Jones will turn 32 this year and has had good stints with the Bears and the Jets. He is a bruising runner that knows how to hit the hole and can be a threat on short-yardage downs and in pass protection.

However, with Leon Washington and the emergence of Shonn Green, there is no room in New York for him anymore.

Jones is a good player, but I don't think he's right for the Browns.

It does scare me, though, because of Eric Mangini's love for ex-Jets. I'm hopeful that the new 'powers that be' will dissuade the coach from bringing another ex-Jet to the Browns roster.

Verdict: not for us

Other Potential NFL Free Agents

Other NFL veterans who will most likely be free agents.

These players are scheduled to be free agents this coming offseason, depending on what their teams decide to do.

Willie Parker, 29: 'Fast' Willie Parker is not quite as fast anymore and would be similar to what we already have in Harrison.

Verdict: not for us

Chester Taylor, 30: Chester Taylor went to Minnesota to be the guy, but some rookie named Adrian Peterson stole his job a few years back. Taylor has some tread left on the tires because he has shared carries for a few years. He catches the ball well and blocks blitzing linebackers.

Verdict: if the price is right, YES.

Ronnie Brown, 28: Ronnie Brown is scheduled to be a free agent, but I can't imagine that the Dolphins won't resign him. He's really good. Brown would want to be the featured back, so if you're a Harrison supporter (like myself) you wouldn't want to see him in Cleveland.

Verdict: tempting, but not what we need

Some other tempting options for the Browns to consider:

Cadillac Williams, 28
LenDale White, 25
Mike Bell, 27
Le'Ron McClain, 25
Pierre Thomas, 25

Above all, they need to resign their OWN free agent running back to be: Jerome Harrison, 27.

A High Draft Pick

There will a be a few interesting options that the Browns will have in their first three rounds of picks—four in all.

Many of those options are well documented by my fine colleagues here at B/R. So this isn't a mock draft, just a few options.

CJ Spiller (Clemson): Spiller is a dominating physical presence who shared carries with current Brown James Davis for the better part of his college career. He's a special talent who would have an instant impact.

Jahvid Best (Cal): Best was a Heisman hopeful from day one last year but under-produced much like his team last season. The first round is too high, but second or third would be intriguing. He's shifty and quick, much like a Felix Jones in Dallas or Jerious Norwood in Atlanta.

Jonathan Dwyer (Georgia Tech): Dwyer is a punishing guy with deceptive speed. He reminds me a lot of Frank Gore in body type and running style. My only concern is that his success has been with Paul Johnson's triple option offense. I don't know enough about football to know how that translates to the pro level.

Others to consider in the opening rounds (and their NFL comparison player from www.draftseason.com):

Ryan Mathews (Fresno State)
Clinton Portis
Joe McKnight (USC)
Justin Forsett
Toby Gerhart (Stanford)
Willis McGahee

Drafting a running back is always a good idea every year, regardless of round.

It's such a special position, and you never know when one will be awesome (see Jerome Harrison, fifth round pick) or when they'll be a dud (see William Green, first round pick).

A Sleeper Pick

A low-round, or sleeper pic, is hit or miss, but you can get them for cheap, and you never know when one will be great.

Ben Tate (Auburn)
LeGarrette Blount (Oregon)
Javarris James (Miami)
Charles Scott (LSU)
James Starks (Buffalo)
Stafon Johnson (USC)
Joique Bell (Wayne State)
Brandon Minor (Michigan)
Andre Dixon (Connecticut)
Lonyae Miller (Fresno State)

There are lots more, but here are some guys that could be great and would tandem well with Jerome Harrison.