NFA Noise: Cleveland Browns Should Look at Raiders RB Michael Bush as Answer to Running Woes

Thursday, December 1, 2011

DenverBroncos.com

By Bob Evans
Senior Writer

For those of you who follow the Cleveland Browns, it comes as no surprise that the disappearance of Peyton Hillis has had a major negative impact on their offense this season. After rushing for 1,177 yards and 11 touchdowns in 16 games in 2010, Hillis has mustered just 276 yards and two touchdowns in five games this season.

Whatever the reason, contract drama or injury, Hillis’ lack of effectiveness and the Browns’ lack of depth at the running back position have strongly hindered their ability to grow as a team in the West Coast offense (WCO).

With Hillis set to become a free agent after the season, and 2010 draft pick Montario Hardesty’s injury history, there have already been online mock draft trends the Browns could be eying Alabama running back Trent Richardson in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. But if someone snags Richardson before the Browns pick, there is a big drop-off in talent between him and the rest of the running backs in this draft.

For this very reason, the Cleveland Browns should look at an emerging star that will be a free agent after the 2011 season—Oakland Raiders running back Michael Bush.

Bush has been a more than capable backup for Darren McFadden throughout his career—and despite his older age his shelf life is longer than usual being a backup his pro career so far—but has really emerged as a starting option following an injury to McFadden this season. He has played in all 11 games, rushed for 668 yards, scored six touchdowns and fumbled the ball just one time.

He has also proven to be an above-average pass catcher out of the back field, snagging 20 receptions for 273 yards and a touchdown—something a running back in the WCO must do in order to be successful. For his career, Bush has rushed for 2,333 yards and 20 touchdowns, while catching 74 passes for 734 yards and one touchdown.

If the Browns don’t want to gamble on another season of Hillis’ drama, Hardesty’s injuries and the possibility of not getting Richardson—Bush could become a viable option in the free agency, which precedes the draft.

The Bottom Line

The 6’2” and 245-pound Bush is a bull-dozing back in the mold of Hillis, but has fumbled the ball much less throughout his career (four times compared to Hillis' 10 career fumbles). If Browns fans fell in love with Hillis enough last season to get him on the cover of the Madden video game series, they will be head-over-heels for a runner like Bush.

Bush was a beast in college before a leg injury in his senior year at Louisville. He had a breakout year as a junior in 2005, rushing for 1,143 yards, 23 touchdowns and had a 5.3 yard per carry average. Many people thought he could have won the Heisman Trophy that year, which is why he was a preseason candidate for the award in 2006 before the injury.

Bush’s success at both levels, combined with just the one injury, could make for a good running back option in Cleveland. He is a bigger back, the team could still justify having Hardesty around or drafting a smaller, change-of-pace back type later in the 2012 draft. This would allow them to address major needs at the wide receiver, right tackle, defensive back or linebacker positions with their two first round picks instead of drafting Richardson.

While Richardson could end up being the next Adrian Peterson, there is no guarantee he will be there when the Browns are on the clock. With enough money and a guarantee to be the starting running back in Cleveland, the team could almost be guaranteed to land Bush.

There haven’t been any rumors of Bush coming to the Browns, but with his blue-collar, bull-dozing mentality—why wouldn’t you try and sign this guy?


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