Derrick Ward?

"Appearing on the Jim Rome Show Wednesday, free agent Derrick Ward mentioned the Browns, Texans, and Cardinals as potential landing spots."

While his age is of concern, Ward has fewer than 400 carries for his career to date and might not have the wear and tear that other runners his age have. His asking price appears to be modest

almost 3 years ago Roger Dorn 17 comments 0 recs |

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I’m in. Get rid of Jason Wright.

by rufio on Feb 18, 2009 11:56 PM EST reply actions

Me too. He’ll be 29 at the beginning of the season and the number of carries mentioned is not high. Good way to solidify our ground attack.

Kurt Warner or the Sad story of the Great Ram who become the Silly Goat...

by qix on Feb 19, 2009 10:34 AM EST reply actions

i can get behind this…but with the great caveat of “at the right price”. he seems like more of a stop-gap, or one head of a multi-headed RB monster.

by DontCallMeJoey on Feb 19, 2009 12:26 PM EST reply actions

éste

Carmona for Cy Young 2009

by danvail on Feb 19, 2009 5:24 PM EST up reply actions

PFT quotes the Plain Dealer today saying that Mangenius appeared to express strong interest in bringing Derrick Ward to the Browns

by Roger Dorn on Feb 20, 2009 2:04 PM EST reply actions

I had no idea Ward was 228lbs. I could have sworn he was 210 or less. We still need a “RB of the future”, but I am liking the idea of bringing him in more and more.

by rufio on Feb 20, 2009 10:38 PM EST reply actions

Would he be that much of an upgrade from Lewis? It looked like Lewis was not in prime form this past season, but I am not convinced he’s just out of gas, given how ineffective other parts of the offense were. I don’t know what all was behind that hesitation he had before hitting the line, and how much was just him having lost it. I’m definitely in favor of grooming a replacement, though, in any event.

by NM Dawg on Feb 21, 2009 1:35 PM EST reply actions

Also, if it takes Lewis 15 runs or so to get going, he’s not useful as a combination back, which sounds like an either/or situation with Ward.

by NM Dawg on Feb 21, 2009 2:05 PM EST up reply actions

Lewis looked toast to me last year. He’s a hard worker, big guy that is tough to take down, but he just doesn’t have the wheels anymore. Ward has some electric speed for a big guy

by Roger Dorn on Feb 21, 2009 2:26 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah, I think Lewis is done. He lacks the burst to be an effective back. We definately need an upgrade, and I think a guy like Ward could provide that.

The best thing probably is to hit [Grady] 2nd -- Jay

by Buckeye Brad on Feb 21, 2009 4:46 PM EST up reply actions

He has no burst anymore. He gets into the second level occasionally, but he doesn’t go far.

by gahnki on Feb 21, 2009 9:44 PM EST up reply actions

How does next year’s RB draft class play into the decision? Is there much to look forward to if we did sign Ward and used this year’s picks on other positions? I assume there is, but know very little about them.

by NM Dawg on Feb 21, 2009 2:37 PM EST reply actions

I think you can always find good RB every year. Obviously guys like Adrian Peterson don’t come along every year, but it seems like every year teams can find a solid back in the lower first or second round.

The best thing probably is to hit [Grady] 2nd -- Jay

by Buckeye Brad on Feb 21, 2009 4:45 PM EST up reply actions

I would disagree with finding good backs in the early rounds. I personally feel there are as many or more good pro backs found in the later rounds any year. You just have to do your homework to find them. I see Ward as a stop gap as well…are we thinking that Lewis is gone or this would be more of the two headed scheme, because both have been mentioned????

by bellar on Feb 22, 2009 3:44 PM EST up reply actions

I’m not sure why you said you’re disagreeing with me. I’m saying the same thing you are, that you can alwasy find good backs outside of the top 20 picks. Many good backs have been picked in the second and third rounds (after that the pickings are much slimmer).

The best thing probably is to hit [Grady] 2nd -- Jay

by Buckeye Brad on Feb 22, 2009 6:27 PM EST up reply actions

Speaking of, Rashad Jennings is looking like the real deal at the combine. 6’1" flat, 231lbs, 29 reps on the bench. None of his times are posted up at ESPN.com yet, but Liberty had him listed at around his true size and the kid is strong. I believe 29 is the most reps put up by any RB, 7 more than OL Max Unger. If his times are comparable to or better than Beanie/Moreno’s I bet he rockets up draft boards. Tons of backs I wouldn’t mind getting.

by rufio on Feb 23, 2009 12:21 AM EST up reply actions