According to Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Talk, the Browns have come to terms with rookie running back James Davis.

Davis, a sixth-round draft pick, reportedly signed a four-year contract worth $1.85 million. He is the first of the Browns' eight draft picks to sign.

For his career at Clemson, Davis rushed for 3,984 yards and 47 touchdowns. He also caught 51 passes for 526 yards and two touchdowns.

Davis had an up-and-down college career, rushing for 1,219 yards as a sophomore but only 751 as a junior. One aspect of Davis' game that was consistent was his hands. In 805 carries, he only had two fumbles.

While head coach for the Jets, Mangini's offense spread the ball out amongst two running backs, Thomas Jones and Leon Washington. It would not be a surprise for the Browns to bring in a free agent to compliment their current stable of running backs, but also in case they decide to part ways with free agent Jason Wright.

Former New York Giant running back Derrick Ward was a guest on Rome is Burning yesterday, and the new should be intriguing to Browns fans:

Ward mentions Cleveland as a potential destination for his services around the six minute mark. I would recommend listening to the whole piece, as Rome gets into Ward's relationship with his Giant backfield mates Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs. To summarize, Ward was happy for his fellow running backs accomplishments, and talks of the strong bond the three of them had.

He mentions his desire to be a starting running back, which could happen in Cleveland. In fact, with the right arrangement, the Browns could easily replicate the Giants backfield system which produced two one thousand yard running backs this season, Jacobs and Ward.

Ward's desire to become a starter could be fulfilled, and he would be the focal point of the running game. He would still split carries, likely averaging near 200 carries and 45 to 60 receptions a season. Lewis would be near his same total in rushes. Ward's role would be as an all purpose back. It would allow the Browns to take advantage of his more slashing running style.

Jacobs is the rarest back of the group, exceptionally large for his position, but still very fast. He is not a pure power back, but more so a perimeter runner who wins matchups because of his size and physicality. In Cleveland, that's what Jamal Lewis is. Lewis has lost some speed, but he still wins a lot of battles at the point of attack because of his power.

To replicate Bradshaw, the Browns would use Jerome Harrison. The Giants like to use Bradshaw as a foil to Ward and Jacobs. His pure speed and break away ability can be used on third and long situations. Harrison has shown he can be highly effective even in limited touches. He would only touch the ball around five to seven times a game.

For the Browns to build an effective offense, they have to solve the inconsistency in the running game. Building a running game that teams have to respect will allow more downfield matchups in the passing game.