Cleveland Browns' Key to a Successful Running Game Is Fullback Lawrence Vickers

With the almost complete turnover of the front office, coaching staff, and roster, the Cleveland Browns will look nothing like the high-flying potent offense of the 2007 football season.

Instead, Eric Mangini wants to get bigger, stronger, and smarter, because the AFC North is a dirty division where the majority of games are low scoring, meaning time of possession is very key.

So what did Mangini go out and do?

He got bigger, stronger, and smarter players on the roster that have passion for the game of football, that are all playing for the team not themselves, and have versatility to play multiple positions and in different formations.

The AFC North is a very tough and physical division and the weather plays a big part when December rolls around.

That means less long passes and more grinding out running the ball.

That is where the Browns secret weapon of the running game comes in to play.

His name is Lawrence Vickers.

Coming into his fourth season as a pro, Vickers was selected by the Browns in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Colorado.

During his first year, Vickers was the backup to fullback Terrell Smith, but then after the 2006 season ended the Browns felt comfortable enough with Vickers to let Smith go to free agency.

In 2007, Vickers was the starter and paved the way for running back Jamal Lewis to rush for over 1,300 yards.

In 2008, Vickers again was the lead blocker for Lewis and despite many breakdowns on the offensive line; Vickers helped Lewis earn another 1,000 yards rushing for the season (barely).

Two years as a starter, and two straight years of blocking for a 1,000-yard back.

Not too bad!

Now a new offensive scheme is being installed that revolves around running the ball and eating up as much time on the clock as possible, along with a bigger offensive line, 2009 should see Vickers helping Lewis achieve 1,000 yards rushing for the third straight year.

Along with his excellent blocking abilities, Vickers has wide receiver-like soft hands and is a great outlet for whoever the quarterback will be.

Vickers has shown over the last two seasons that he is very reliable in the backfield and out of the backfield, as a check down receiver, and should excel in Mangini's new ball control offense.

With training camp less than a month away, Vickers time to shine as one of the best fullbacks in the NFL is right now.