DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Browns interested in former Lion, Kevin Jones?

After surgery, Jones looking to return to backfield
Updated: June 28, 2008, 7:43 PM

Kevin Jones went through a workout Saturday while four NFL teams watched the running back sprint and cut just five months after he had major knee surgery.

Dr. D.S. Ping, who has been helping Jones rehabilitate his right knee, said Miami, Green Bay, Pittsburgh and Detroit sent representatives to the workout in Saline, Mich.

The Lions cut their former first-round pick in March with one year left on his contract after he hurt the knee late last season, adding to the injury woes that have stunted his success in the league.

The Cleveland Browns also called, Ping said, and asked for a video of the workout.

Jones did a shuttle run on wet grass in 4.3 seconds, ran around cones and caught passes.

"All the teams basically said they were amazed by what Kevin can do," Ping said.

Jones missed the first two games last season recovering from a foot injury that also sidelined him for the last three games of 2006. He ran for at least 70 yards in five games, including a season-high 105, before hurting his knee Dec. 23 against the Chiefs.

A few months later, the Lions released him. The franchise was interested enough, though, to send director of pro personnel Sheldon White about 45 minutes west of Detroit to witness the workout.

"Sheldon said what impressed him was Kevin's burst after standing still," Ping recalled. "He also liked how Kevin picked himself up and finished a drill when he slipped on the grass that was really slick because of a lot of rain."

Ron Hughes, the Steelers' college scouting coordinator, was also impressed.

"Ron told me he thought Kevin ran really well," Ping said.

Dr. James Andrews performed the surgery on Jones' right knee in January and told him it would take up to 10 months to get back on the field. Jones, though, expects to go through non-contact drills during training camp with the team that signs him.

"I honestly feel like I'm ready to play right now," Jones insisted earlier this month.

Jones has said several other teams have also shown interest. He's vying for a job along with free agent running backs such as Shaun Alexander, Chris Henry, Ron Dayne and Cedric Benson.

He ran for 3,000-plus yards in four seasons in Detroit, including 1,133 yards as a rookie in 2004.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/8294208/After-surgery,-Jones-looking-to-return-to-backfield

I've always liked Kevin Jones.

Go get him, bye bye Jason Wright.

The thing that I found interesting was, unless they were just doing their "due diligence, with yesterday's release of "Dookie", why would the Steelers attend with Parker & Mendenhall in the fold?

Talent wise... yea.. Kevin Jones is a better RB... BUT!!! Wright has no history of injuries to my knowledge atleast, so he is always ready when called upon. He is a smart football player. He brings good morale to the team, and that is why he is a Cleveland Brown after these past few years. I don't want to give up a spot to another Suggs.

I agree. Everyone wants the new guy.

If the Browns decide they need a backup for the "every-down" RB, I don't see why that would mean Jason Wright would be the odd man out. He has shown me a lot more than Harrison has.

I'll never understand people's fixation on Jason Wright.

Ok, he's a very high character guy. I get that and I appreciate him for it.

But he has no burst, no movies, and no straight line speed. He has no real redeeming qualities from a football perspective.

Jones, if healthy, is essentially Lee Suggs without the stenosis. The guy has speed and moves and a burst, but he doesn't wear you down like Lewis. I think he's the perfect compliment to Lewis and could easily take over as an effective every down back should Lewis go down.

We lose Lewis, we're screwed unless we give Harrison the bulk of the carries. I don't like Wright,

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I don't like Wright

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That much is clear. Wright may not be the best runner, but he is a GREAT blocker, and is a very smart player. It's not all about the stats. I am comfortable with our running back situation for this year. Next year I think it's time to go out and get another one.

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He has no real redeeming qualities from a football perspective.

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That's a bit over the top don't you think?

Players don't stick on a roster simply because they're high-character guys. Wright is one of the best 3rd down blocking backs in the league. When he does run the ball he gains yards.

Can he replace Lewis? I don't know. He's certainly not Lewis. I think if Lewis goes down we see Harrison taking his place. A much different runner than Lewis but he has a lot of qualities and a skill set that should be successful at this level.

As for Wright, he'll get his carries as well. He's nowhere near the bust-type label you are using on him.

Too many people want a "name" they can recognize. That's why we hear fans wanting to pick the recently released Davenport or Kevin Jones. We've all heard of them. But truthfully, neither of them has ever done anything all that special. It's just that the fans know their names.

Because he's a RB and doesn't get many carries many Browns fans feel Wright is a nobody who doesn't really contribute. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Actually, the stats clearly support Wright. Last year, he had 559 all- purpose yards to 161 for Harrison. Wright also had 7 solo tackles on return coverage - Harrison had none. Wright blocks well, and can recognize the blitz. Harrison may be faster and have more moves, but Wright is clearly the better, more versatile football player. That's not just my opinion, its Crennel's too based on their PT.

I'm curious if Jone's will bounce back. He is injury prone and has been since being drafted. I know a lot of that was due to the Lion's offensive line. The kid has a lot of talent that would be shown greatly with our fab 5. A move for him would be high risk high reward.

But I think Savage is content with what he has in the backfield currently.

I would think that we are just looking at him in case of injury to one of our guys, its a long ways till the start of the season and anything could happen till then.

He's better than Tatum Bell when healthy, I know that much.

Bell has great straight line speed but doesn't move well laterally.

I had forgotten about Wright's blocking ability. Stupid me. Ok, that's his one special quality.

The rest isn't special. He goes down easily...he doesn't shed tacklers, he doesn't break away, etc.

I'm not saying he doesn't belong in the league, but I think if we have a chance to upgrade (and Jones, if healthy, is a HUGE upgrade, as in "two back system" upgrade) we should do it.

I'm worried about Lewis holding up all year.

You could be right. But I think you must remember we didn't have any "high round picks" in this last draft. Would Phil had picked a RB?

And in all honesty, if Jamal goes down with an injury, do you feel the back ups in our current stable could "carry the load"?

Jamal probably has a couple of years left in the tank, barring injuries. But the older he gets, the more carries he has, the higher the % for injuries. He's a physical RB which takes a physical toll on the body.

So if you think Phil is content with our current back ups "carrying the load" should Jamal go down, then I agree with you. But I'm not very confident he shares your views on the subject IMO.

Wright is the best blocking RB I've ever seen, and is a good ST player.

I think Jones would replace Harrison as an insurance policy if Lewis goes down. Wright brings too much as a blocker IMO

I have never been impressed with Jones - although I won't claim to have watched him a great deal. But when I have, my first thoughts were 'overrated'. I'm a little baffled by this huge pro-Jones contingent ... particularly in favor of cutting Wright.

Wright averaged more yards per carry and per reception than Lewis last year. He wasn't a game breaker, but he produced AND he was dependable. And character guys go a LONG way in this league ... just ask the Bengals.

I believe this is nothing more than what a few posters noted and that is due diligence should a need for a back arise. I think the Browns are more excited about what we currently have than the fans are. Fans fall in love with names and draft status ... our staff only cares about what they see on the field ... regardless of the name on the jersey or where they were drafted ... as it should be. And I think they are expecting big things from the three we currently have.

Keep the three we got. I think Harrison is going to have a big year.

I agree with everything you said.

For Wright and Jerome it'll come down to the number of carries they get and what they do with them when they get them. While both should be "better" this year, I think they did great with what they had last year.

I think we'll draft a #1 or potential #1 some time soon, I don't see Savage rushing out to get Kevin Jones unless there something wrong with one of our backs.

As usual....IF the price is right we should at least consider Jones ....

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I'll trust Phil on this one, as usual. If he feels Jones is healthy enough and the price is right, I would welcome his addition. Jamal is getting older and we have not drafted anybody in the high rounds as a future replacement. This might be an experiment worth looking at IMO

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U bet your tootie patootie...

How big is Jones???...I NEVER watch Detroit...Can't stand silver and tootie blue...

Could Jones himself be the current insurance policy for Lewis AND be his future replacement???

Jones would be an excellent fit in this offense. The kid has a world of talent, he just never had anywhere to run in detroit. Lewis goes down I do like Harrison but i would rather see Jones in the backfield. Wright imho is the kind of player you sign once your top 4 running backs have gone down. Jones is the kind of player that can be a very effective #1 back.

I think we should consider him if no other reason than to deny division rivals. After all, if (knock on wood) Jamal goes down in the first week, what do our chances look like then? We need a big guy to set up the fast guys, or it doesn't work right.

been on use getting Jones for a quite some time now.....glad the front office sees what i been seeing.....jones is a good RB and with the line we have here would be a star!!!

Phil, remember this is the guy that was touting Troy Smith to be taken with the third pick of the draft, so you might want to rethink how surprised you are.

As for Wright, he is a quality back. Very few teams have 3 RBs that have all the tools and are all starting material. That's why they aren't starters. Wright is a solid runner, a great blocker, and a tremendous asset on special teams. No way do we get rid of all the contributions that he gives the teams (even though they don't show on the stat line for those that don't understand the game) for another Lee Suggs.

Of course, Savage is going to take a look. After all, he is a scout at heart. he is doing his homework. He is also getting information for later on if a RB goes down and Jones is still out there. If he had serious interest for right now, he would have shown up or sent another scout to the workout.

Too many people need to understand that backups aren't stars and fill vital roles on a team. Until then, they'll always be a "we gotta get this guy" type of fan.

For the right price I wouldn't mind Jones signing with us as Lewis' backup and further our depth at RB. However, my concern is his health? He's been injured a lot in Detroit and he's probably more prone to injury much like Lee Suggs. Could be a helpful signing, I just wouldn't break the bank over him.

i like jason wright, he's a nice change of pace running back... pretty decent speed, a few moves...

but that's really all he is... if jamal goes down, jason wright isn't going to pick up the slack...

i still think the window is possibly open for harrison to be starting caliber, but i have my doubts he could carry the load as well...

it's definitely an area i worry about, as far as depth goes

I like our running back corp... we have our veteran main carrier in Jamal Lewis and 2 serviceable and different backups in Jason Wright and Jerome Harrison. Both of whom are young and haven't had a lot of injuries and are cheap for the team. Why mess with it? These guys might have a lot of potential.. Personally I'd like to see what Jerome can do for us before we have any other RB out on the field. Unless we have some sort of crazy preseason injury, I say leave the RBs as they are....

With camps a month away, quality backs are still available
By Pat Kirwan | NFL.com
Senior Analyst





I tried to get in touch with all the key free-agent running backs this week to come on Sirius NFL Radio and talk about their employment situation. No one is talking right now.

Interest isn't there ... yet
Whether it's a function of deciding to play again, waiting for more money or the phone not ringing, all is quiet on the running back front -- except for the Kevin Jones workout at the end of the month. I talked with former NFL wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson, who said he wonders if Shaun Alexander even wants to play again. Travis Henry is hard to find, according to some people close to him. Cedric Benson has been ordered to install a breathalyzer machine in his car to prevent him from driving under the influence, and interest in him appears minimal at this time.

Six pack of backs
There are a number of accomplished running backs who will be available to teams. Here is a breakdown of their 2007 seasons:

Shaun Alexander
Starts: 10
Att: 207
Yds: 716
Avg: 3.5
TD: 4
Fumbles: 2


Cedric Benson
Starts: 11
Att: 196
Yds: 674
Avg: 3.4
TD: 4
Fumbles: 3


Ron Dayne
Starts: 8
Att: 194
Yds: 773
Avg: 4.0
TD: 6
Fumbles: 1


Travis Henry
Starts: 7
Att: 167
Yds: 691
Avg: 4.1
TD: 4
Fumbles: 3


Kevin Jones
Starts: 10
Att: 153
Yds: 581
Avg: 3.8
TD: 8
Fumbles: 2


LaMont Jordan*
Starts: 7
Att: 144
Yds: 549
Avg: 3.8
TD: 3
Fumbles: 0

* Awaiting release from RaidersLaMont Jordan is awaiting his release from the Raiders in order to join the ranks of the unemployed. Ron Dayne had the best numbers last season among the group of available backs, but no one seems that excited right now. With the start of training camps just weeks away, free-agent running backs are experiencing a flooded market. Any team thinking about adding a runner to the roster this summer is in the driver's seat. As one veteran said to me, "If you're past 29 years of age, it's starting to look like one-year contracts from here on out."

One GM said, "These close-to-30-year-old ball carriers may have to wait for a serious injury before the market changes for them."

I agree with that strategy, but it can be risky business. Plus, the truth is an NFL runner has a short shelf life and no one wants to be in a long-term contract with an old running back. If Jones proves to be healthy, he may set the market -- which probably can't be much more than the veteran minimum with some back-end incentives.

Lessons to learn from Lewis
Who would have believed a year ago, with Jamal Lewis out of work, that he was going to be in a better place than Alexander, Henry, Benson, Dayne, Jones or even Jordan a year later? Well, he is and it's because he reinvented his career when a team needed him to deliver big-time and he answered the call on a one-year contract. Lewis bet on himself and it will not be any different for the aforementioned six backs.

Can one of these backs or even two of them answer the bell? Do they have what it takes to rush for 1,000 yards on a veteran minimum contract and hit another big payday? It will probably take going to a team where the coach already knows that running back and believes in his skills.

These backs did find eager takers
Some might wonder how DeShaun Foster, Warrick Dunn, Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett found work so quickly while the six backs mentioned above are left at the curb with the preseason approaching.

Foster, Dunn, Julius Jones and Duckett averaged 175 carries, 554 yards, four touchdowns and three runs over 20 yards last season, which is a decent performance average. However, the six aforementioned available runners, including Jordan -- who will be released along with his $4.5 million salary -- averaged 176 carries, 664 yards, five touchdowns, and four runs over 20 yards. The numbers show that the unemployed running backs have better production than those who were already signed by new teams.

Plan for the worst
When camps start, running backs typically go down with injury at a steady pace and the phones could start ringing for all six of these backs. A smart team might not wait until clubs are looking for a back because if one team finds themselves competing with other teams, the price will certainly go up. The best advice might be to assume your team is going to lose a back this summer, take a look at the free-agent backs, and make an offer before teams recess for vacation.

Keep in mind only four backs in the entire NFL averaged more than 20 carries per game last year, and no back averaged more than 22 carries per game. The running game in modern football is by committee, and there's no doubt the backs without a home could fit in a rotation for most teams. A former "bell cow" back could be an excellent supplement to a current starter, and the street is loaded with guys who fit the bill if they are receptive to the concept. A solid backup quarterback is worth close to $2 million a year, but they are impossible to find. A quality backup running back normally would be worth $1 to $1.5 million, but they're too easy to find.

Go get a proven back
How many teams could use a back who averaged 12 carries a game, 48 yards rushing, 4.0 per carry, with six touchdowns and had five runs over 20 yards last season? The answer is most teams in the NFL, and the guy they may be looking for is Ron Dayne.

How about a guy who got into the end zone eight times in 153 carries (one touchdown for every 19 carries)? That player would be Kevin Jones.

Or, how about a back who averaged 4.1 yards per rush and popped three runs of 20-plus yards? Go ahead and call Travis Henry, if you can find him.

I would make sure I got one of these free agents on my roster heading into camp, and I would do a one-year veteran minimum contract with a bunch of back-end incentives. If my first choice balked at the opportunity to play under those conditions, I would move on to the second one and then the third, etc. until my team had a veteran runner from this pool of talent.


Didn't see this posted anywhere. Add Davenport to the vet RB list too.

Well he is the only talented FA option out there his questions isn't age but health. Usually his injury would be best to take it easy for a season and work it in slow. Which behind Lewis would basically do just that.

??? is do we give up on Harrison cause we couldn't carry dead weight with the roster at 53. I like his prospects as a darting type runner changing up with Lewis.

But in top form - Jones is a special back, but how much to you commit to a guy who has never been able to stay on the field and make a name for himself. How much do you give up on for that risk?

I'd rather draft somebody special next year - its the one position that Rookies can provide impact readily in the transition to the NFL.

JMHO

If the guy is going to replace Harrison....

And it has to be Harrison because he probably can't take over Wright's roles on ST.

So if the guy is going to replace Harrison....How will a guy with his his "top flight" skills react to the drastically limited touches he would get and the possible inactive statuses he might get depending on the game? Is that going to be a problem for a guy who will probably have to accept a short term contract as the article above was saying?

I think this is a guy who will have to get on a team that runs by committee. He will have to take that 2nd role (sort of like Dominic Rhodes in the Colts SB run) within the committee. But he needs an offense that will give him chances to run the football without threatening the main show.

That is not Cleveland. In Cleveland, Jamal is the not just the main show....he is the show. We don't run by committee. Wright and Harrison are competant enough(if not more than enough) though to take up the slack in a committee like rotation should Lewis go down. But when Lewis is healthy they are role players and they are GOOD in their roles. I don't see Jones being better as that role player.

I think what other have said. Cleveland is doing its due dilligence should something happen to one of our backs.

Between Dayne, Jordan, Benson, Alexander, Henry, Jones and now Davenport, if we need someone, we'll be able to find them.. Not all of these guys will be working this year.

Also, there is also the hope that if Lewis goes down, Wright and Harrison can be more productive with more touches.

I guess what I'm saying is, I wouldn't go after any of them for the Browns... But I'd surely stay in contact with thier agents because you just never know..

I agree with you. He has to take over for Harrison's spot if we grabbed him.

But, why don't you think Kevin Jones would accept an Eric Metcalf role with the Browns with Jamal Lewis being Kevin Mack?

Sure, now the Mack-role would be a little bit more increased in this split, but its not like Kevin Jones is going to get too many offers for a featured role elsewhere.


So, the question remains if Phil thinks Harrison is ready/capable of the Metcalf role or not...if he is, then Jones is not an option. If he isn't, then we should pursue him.

Here's why Jones might very well consider it.

Firstly, as stated, the RB market will be pretty much flooded. So it's not like he can just "pick and choose from big contracts IMO.

Once again, he has had a lot of injuries, so even by us, look at the Lewis deal? We got him for "one year with incentives" and pretty cheap! And his track record was better than Jone's. So it looks like the possibility exists to get "first round talent on the cheap".

Have you ever ran behind a putrid OL? Well I have! It sucks to hell and back!

So I guess the question boils down to this. Would Jones welcome a "part time roll" behind a marquee OL where he can showcase his talent when the oppertunity is given? Or would he rather risk further injuries and futility behind a limited OL somewhere else?

I feel many people underestimate just how tempting it is for a RB to run behind a great OL. Jones could easily see a "one year or two year deal" behind OUR OL as a way to show the league exactly what he can do when the oppertunity presents itself for the sake of his career for "the long haul".

It may not pan out that way, but with a flooded RB market and Phil's power of persuasion, we might get him quite reasonably for a short term insurance policy and see where it goes from there.

Under that scenario, I would welcome Jones.