Cleveland Browns Running Game Perfect? Almost

As of right now, the Cleveland Browns do not have a proven starting running back on their roster, so to all you Jamal Lewis fans, be prepared to be let down.

As of right now, the depth chart reads as Jamal Lewis, Jerome Harrison, then Noah Herron.

Here is a breakdown of the Browns' running backs.

Jamal Lewis

Jamal is aging and can't handle many carries per game. He could be well-utilized in a third-down role or plays like 4th-and-short. He is powerful, so he can get that one yard for a new set of downs.

Jerome Harrison

I don't see Harrison being a starter, but in small portions he can be a playmaker. If he can get a few carries per game averaging seven yards per carry, he could be special. He is very elusive and can catch the ball. He proved this last season.

Noah Herron

Recently signed by the Browns. He hasn't played since suffering a knee injury with the Green Bay Packers in 2006. He can be a good weapon for the Browns. If a backup running back can catch 29 passes for 211 yards, he must be good. Similar to Harrison, could be good in small portions but don't expect a starter out of him.

All of these players could be good if well-utilized. But there is something missing. The Browns need somebody capable of handling most of their carries. Who could fill this hole?

Almost all of the starting-caliber free agent running backs are signed already, so drafting one sounds smart. The Browns could draft Chris "Beanie" Wells or Knowshon Moreno with their fifth overall pick, but that would be stupid. They need defense, and these two players are not worth drafting that early.

Since the Browns have two second-round picks and none after that until the fourth round, the second round is where they could get one. Which running backs will be available in the second round?

Donald Brown, Connecticut

A very productive player. Has many tools to be good in the NFL. Has great awareness, instincts, balance, vision, and footwork. Is a very patient runner who can catch a ball downfield and can break tackles. A hard worker and playmaker. He could be gone before the Browns selection.

LeSean "Shady" McCoy, Pittsburgh

A very smooth player. He is a natural runner who lacks size but makes up for it with his vision and instincts. He has great ball-handling skills and can run both inside and outside effectively. With Lewis and crew behind him, the Browns running game could be a problem for many teams.

Shonn Greene, Iowa

Very bulky and physical runner. Can break tackles effectively. Patient with good vision. He gets stronger as the game progresses. Lacks speed and explosion, and is a little older than most players entering the draft. Similar to Jamal Lewis, and could learn a lot from him.

Andre Brown, North Carolina State

Andre is a big and powerful back with speed that complements. Never proved to be a "workhorse" but could thrive with a versatile running game. Lewis, Harrison, and Herron could take a lot of pressure off him, giving him space to grow. He, too, could learn a lot from Jamal Lewis.

With two selections in the second round (36 and 50), the Browns could pursue one of these players or be patient and take what they get. They might not take a running back at all. Either way, a young running back who could handle 20-plus carries a game could benefit the Browns.

Many teams have turned to using multiple running backs instead of just one and they've been successful. The Tennessee Titans using LenDale White and Chris Johnson did them wonders. Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward were a phenomenal one-two punch for the New York Giants as well.

Splitting the load between backs keeps them fresh and more capable of lasting the entire season. The Browns having four backs with their own roles and capable of making plays could produce great results. A rookie wouldn't have tons of pressure and could feel at ease with so many players behind him.

Still, Cleveland has many needs and it's still unknown what they will do. A young running back sounds nice, but the Browns might be able to manage as is. Only another month until the draft, and it should be an exciting one for the Kardiac Kids.