James

Davis

Davis, 25, has proven a replacement-level talent since being drafted out of Clemson in 2009, but the Texans have become the new early-2000s Broncos as a team that can churn out rushing yardage schematically. Davis is also familiar with the stretch-zone running system after spending 2010 with Mike Shanahan.

It’s not good news for Jahvid Best owners. Although there is no word on the severity of Best’s concussion, the Lions now have four healthy backs available in Davis, Maurice Morris, Ronnie Brown, and Keiland Williams. Davis won’t be on the active roster unless further injuries strike.

It took just one day for Davis to get injured. The Lions’ backfield situation is as murky as ever with the Jerome Harrison trade getting voided and Jahvid Best’s status completely unknown.

It’s an improvement from Davis’ 4.6 at the Combine, although Clemson uses a fast rubber track and scouts probably added a tenth of a second to his time. Davis, who nearly entered the 2008 draft early, projects as a mid-round pick.

Davis nearly entered the 2008 draft after a 1,064-yard junior season, but returned to split carries again with C.J. Spiller. Davis’ YPC dropped from 5.0 to 4.4 as the Clemson football program collapsed. He ran in the 4.45-4.49 range at Pro Day, so it looks like he’s still got some explosion left. Davis won’t threaten Jamal Lewis for the Browns’ starting job, however.

“I’m thinking about the first preseason game. I just want to see how the game atmosphere is here in Cleveland...I hear all about it,” he said. Davis ran streaky at Clemson while sharing the backfield with C.J. Spiller, but he’ll see significant preseason playing time with Jamal Lewis nursing more ankle trouble. That could give Davis a chance to carve out sleeper value in 2009.

“I’ve been extremely pleased with what he’s done with his opportunity,” said coach Eric Mangini. Davis slipped in the draft after a so-so senior season at Clemson, but his 4.45 speed, Lewis’ obvious decline, and the Browns’ need for backfield help give Davis a shot at sleeper value in year one.

With Jamal Lewis missing time during OTAs, Davis used the opportunity to impress coach Eric Mangini. Considering Lewis’ age and declining play, Davis makes for an interesting flier in Dynasty league drafts. He’ll be third on the depth chart to start the season.

Davis’ preseason YPC stands at 7.8, and he’s got seven catches. Meanwhile, Jamal Lewis is averaging an anemic 2.6 yards per carry. The Browns are going to have to strongly consider using a two-back system to start the year.

Davis was briefly hospitalized with a head injury and then released. The rookie had a huge preseason and was expected to maybe even take over for Jamal Lewis at some point this season. It’s unclear if this accident will affect those plans, but it doesn’t sound overly serious right now. The Browns were already thin at running back for this week with Jerome Harrison (knee) questionable.