New RB in town? [Update: Marcel Shipp to Sign]

[Roy P]

After Saturday I'm a bit concerned about the running game. Can we look at some FAs or possibly trade for a guy who is low on somebody else's depth chart? Maybe we could just wait for some RB's to get cut. Anyway, here are some guys that I might want to take a look at.

Kevan Barlow
Ciatrick Fason
Alonzo Coleman
Eric Shelton
Quincy Wilson
Jason Wright

Remember folks, I'm the guy who said that it might not be a bad idea to bring in Julius Jones.

[painekiller]

Eric Shelton


IMO it's a little early to panic about the running game. We are not completely devoid of talent and Taylor has looked better than he showed last Saturday.

All the backs seemed to look backside way to quick, this run system is about grinding the defense, not about homeruns on every play, and they will come to understand the design soon enough.

That said the only back I like is Shelton from your list, and iirc he is hurt and could not pass a psyical.

Lastly there will be some good unknows available when the cuts start to happen. I am hoping Jackie Battle get lost in a numbers game.


Some guys I am watching the waiver wire for (Battle of course)
BenJarvis Green-Ellis
Dantrell Savage
Lance Ball
Travis Thomas
Austin Scott
Keon Lattimore
Allen Ervin
Kregg Lumpkin
Chad Simpson

Most of these guys will not make the roster of the team they are currently on, also they showing you why RBs are not getting drafted much anymore, they have a short shelf life and they are a dime a dozen.

[Roy P]

Some guys I am watching the waiver wire for (Battle of course)
BenJarvis Green-Ellis
Dantrell Savage
Chad Simpson

Most of these guys will not make the roster of the team they are currently on, also they showing you why RBs are not getting drafted much anymore, they have a short shelf life and they are a dime a dozen.

I like these three. The Cards also have Hightower and Baylark, who I liked in college. The Chargers have Marcus Thomas from UTEP.

Basically, I am looking for the next Ryan Grant. :D

[painekiller]

IBasically, I am looking for the next Ryan Grant. :D

That would be the goal. A couple late round picks that might be waived:
Thomas Brown Atl
Mike Hart Indy
Peyton Hillis Denver
Allen Patrick Balt.
Jalen Parmele Mia

Some other RBs that might be on the bubble
Alonzo Coleman Dallas
someone from the Chiefs will be cut:27 Larry Johnson 26 Jackie Battle 21 Kolby Smith 25 Jamaal Charles 29 Dantrell Savage

[sinnister]

I like these three. The Cards also have Hightower and Baylark, who I liked in college. The Chargers have Marcus Thomas from UTEP.

Basically, I am looking for the next Ryan Grant. :D

I like Hightower, but he is going to make the Cards roster, and will get some touches through the year.

[NBT]

JMHO, but it appears that the Smith-Kubiak tandem are (have been) pretty good at picking players, with the possible exception of the elusive RB? Maybe we have just not been lucky, or we haven't been in the right place at the right time. But it would seem that, if we are to progress to the playoffs this year, we better get something done. Not in a panic, just want us to zero in before the start of the season. I'm trying to be upbeat about this, but if Rashard Mendenhall has a good year, there will be those whatiffers again.

[papabear]

but if Rashard Mendenhall has a good year, there will be those whatiffers again.


after re-watching the game last night I feel even better about the Brown pick. Honestly, some of the problems with the running game really appeared to be a timing/getting on the same page thing. We were very close to several nice runs.

[Keith]

I'm trying to be upbeat about this, but if Rashard Mendenhall has a good year, there will be those whatiffers again.

Oh, I think those whatiffers are going to be coming guns a-blazin' if Mendenhall runs all over us in the opener. The success of Kung Fu Panda though totally makes up for whatever Mendy does. Brown did fairly well shutting out Dumervil and the Broncos in his first game, and I'll take a franchise LT over a RB at this point.

I said this in the other thread, but I'll repeat here... I think the Eagles have some depth at RB since they acquired Lorenzo Booker. I don't know that they'd be looking to give up Tony Hunt, but he looks like an inside runnner and a three-down back to me. And on the flip side, Hunt doesn't seem to fit the mold of the ZBS RB, but then again, I didn't really think Ron Dayne did much either. Pipe dream for me I suppose, but I think a Hunt-Slaton pairing could be deadly.

[HPF Bob]

I'm not unhappy with our RB situation. I'm unhappy with the running game I saw Saturday but most of that was the o-line not opening holes, probably because the Broncos, more than anyone, know how to defend the cutback lanes because they've seen it all training camp.

I have confidence in Taylor and Walker to carry the load and Slaton to be a change-of-pace back. If either Brown or Green can get healthy enough to contribute then so much the better.

If we find somebody better on the waiver wire, fine, but I'm not in panic mode over it.

[coloradodude]

I posted something last night and poof, it's gone so here's the gist of it.

From what I saw in the game I would have to say that Green is gone. One play and he get's a groin injury after missing what, 12 or 13 games last season. That's a proven track record.

Taylor had better shine this week or it's third string or worse for him.

Our first and second stringers are gonna be Walker and Slaton. Slaton was impressive and is yelling for more work based on his performance.


The new name I expect to hear? Shaun Alexander.

[papabear]

I'm sorta in line with Bob. One thing that has me a little excited is the thought of Slaton in the backfield with Taylor lined up at fullback There's just so much we could do with that. I know that won't be the every down package, but think of the headache for defensive co-ordinators. Of course all of that depends on those guyus matching my expectations.

I wouldn't mind bringing in another back, but I think we are OK with what we have...maybe not ideal, but OK.

[Roy P]

Basically, I am looking for the next Ryan Grant. :D

Here is a scenario that I'm thinking about:

Imagine that we have to beat the Colts to make the playoffs. We are ahead by a score of 34 - 31 with 2:25 left in the game. The ball is sitting on our 27 yard line and it is 3rd down and 3 yards to go for a 1st down. Who do you feel comfortable handing the ball to to pick up the 1st down?

I want a guy who is going to break a tackle, push the pile, or do whatever it takes to get me those three yards. Currently, I don't have a guy on this roster that I feel confident in to do that. Therefore, I'm going to have to rely on a pass play (probably a quick slant to #80) and hope for a completion. Unfortunately, that makes me predictable. :o

Looking at the Dolphins depth chart; Ronnie Brown, Ricky Williams, and Patrick Cobbs are the top 3 RBs on their roster. My pipe dream would be to acquire 6'0" 224lbs Jalen Parmele.

My 2nd choice would also come from the AFC East. The Patriots signed Lamont Jordan to go along with Laurence Maroney and Kevin Faulk. In addition they are carrying Sammy Morris on the roster. I'm hopeful that we might be able to go after BenJarvus Green-Ellis. He was an undrafted FA that I campaigned for during the draft. He's not fast (4.55 - 40), but he moves the pile forward.

[Keith]

I'm hopeful that we might be able to go after BenJarvus Green-Ellis. He was an undrafted FA that I campaigned for during the draft. He's not fast (4.55 - 40), but he moves the pile forward.

Yep, I like me some BJGE too, but the Texans would have to add him to the active roster to get him I think. Not sure they're going to hold a spot for a UDFA.

A trade with the Dolphins or Eagles, teams that have a little depth like that would make some sense, especially if neither Green nor Brown are on the roster and Kubiak lacks confidence in either Taylor/Walker/Slaton carrying the load.

Brown should play plenty this Saturday. I imagine that either Green OR Brown might be cut, but chances seem pretty small that both are gone, but who knows. Lots of time left for another preseason injury or two, unfortunately.

[Arky]

I'd give Green and Brown all they can handle in pre-season. Brown, I believe, will see heavy action against New Orleans this weekend while Green is due back for Dallas. If they emerge injury free, then so be it - they've earned a spot on the roster. If either one so much as stubs their toe and needs down time, then the I think the Texans really should take a tougher stance with these two given their recent history....

It would be nice to pick up another "bruiser" RB since the Texans don't appear to be interested in Dayne anymore but, JMHO, I don't think it is as much of a priority as getting the O-line clicking and getting the choreography of the new system down ASAP. It would be nice if this happens before opening day but I would not be surprised if it takes several regular season games before this happens....

[mussop]

That would be the goal. A couple late round picks that might be waived:
Thomas Brown Atl
Mike Hart Indy
Peyton Hillis Denver
Allen Patrick Balt.
Jalen Parmele Mia

Some other RBs that might be on the bubble
Alonzo Coleman Dallas
someone from the Chiefs will be cut:27 Larry Johnson 26 Jackie Battle 21 Kolby Smith 25 Jamaal Charles 29 Dantrell Savage

I would love any one of these 3. I believe Hillis is going to not only make the team but be a weapon. I drool over the prospect of a FB like him.

[cadams]

I have really liked hart since he was in college. he isnt the fastest guy on the field, but he always seems to get yardage. if something happened and the texans could get their hands on him i would be elated.

[jaimeg]

I have really liked hart since he was in college. he isnt the fastest guy on the field, but he always seems to get yardage. if something happened and the texans could get their hands on him i would be elated.

I don't think Hart is going anywhere, he looked really good in Indy's last game.

[Keith]

I don't think Hart is going anywhere

I agree. If the Colts were going to release a RB, it would probably be Kenton Keith. They added (back) Dominic Rhodes in the offseason, so with Addai, Rhodes and Hart, they may have the three backs they want. I'm not sure they can risk floating Hart to the practice squad anymore.

Keith was a CFL star before joining the Colts. He started for an injured Addai against the Bucs last season and went off for 121 rushing yards (4.3 avg) and two TDs, plus another five receptions. Just turned 28, and he had an off-field incident where he was charged with criminal trespassing at some nightclub. Story goes that the cops were trying to break up a crowd and instead of complying with orders, Keith chose to whip out his cell phone to record the incident.

[KJ3]

i really doubt the colts let a guy slip away who is going to get immediate run and probably a contract from in-division teams. however, if they do i don't think we are at a point with RB's where we can overlook anybody, especially in this system that claims to make a 1,000 yard rusher out of grandma's and such. hart, keith...whoeva.

[Keith]

Pipe dream for me I suppose, but I think a Hunt-Slaton pairing could be deadly.

I know I'm getting to be quite the shill for Tony Hunt here, but he broke off a 51-yard TD run earlier tonight.

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80a03b00

Gamebreaking speed is not his strong suit, but that's a good clip for anyone who hasn't seen him lately.

In the Demps thread NBT started, I might have derailed it a bit talking about the Falcons RBs... another team that could be parting with a decent backup either via waivers or trade.

Hopefully though someone makes all of this conversation moot in the next two preseason games for the Texans. At this point so late into camp, it'd be nice if the team's answer was already on the roster.

[KJ3]

I know I'm getting to be quite the shill for Tony Hunt here, but he broke off a 51-yard TD run earlier tonight.

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80a03b00

it'd be nice if the team's answer was already on the roster.

you know, i'd like to see walker when the o'line starts cutting and not playing against denver. he always seemed to get the positive yards so i wanna see him scoot through a couple of the elderly-capable sized holes gibbs' has installed.

[Roy P]

I took another look at the Denver game and paid particular attention to the running game. First, it appears as if the WRs, TEs, and RBs need to do a better job on the back side. As the line was directing traffic in one direction, there would be a defender on the back side who would come free. I realize that is sometimes ok in this system as long as the RB has made his cut already and headed North and South. However, if we had gotten back side contain from Jacoby Jones, Duane Brown, and Joel Dreesen on a couple of runs, we would have gained better yardage. I also noted, that Slaton was the one consistent back who attacked the hole quickly and ran past the backside defender. This is when "vision" and the fast 10-yard splits come into play. Anybody know if DeShawn Wynn is playing in Green Bay?

[nunusguy]

I think its more likely than not that the Texans pull off a trade for a RB before the regular season gets under way. I'm just hoping that we start the season with Ahman Green OR Chris Brown prepared to start against Pittsburgh, but wouldn't be surprised if it was very uncertain for either to play in the opener.
Dunno who we might trade, or if it would involve a Draft pick, but expect a trade to go down for a back before the season opener.

[mussop]

I dont think we can accurately judge the RB's until the line is in sync.

[NBT]

I think its more likely than not that the Texans pull off a trade for a RB before the regular season gets under way. I'm just hoping that we start the season with Ahman Green OR Chris Brown prepared to start against Pittsburgh, but wouldn't be surprised if it was very uncertain for either to play in the opener.
Dunno who we might trade, or if it would involve a Draft pick, but expect a trade to go down for a back before the season opener.

Yeah, that wouldn't surprise me a bit either.

[painekiller]

How bad is Taylor hurt? And does the team make a trade for a healthy young)?

[edo783]

How bad is Taylor hurt? And does the team make a trade for a healthy young)?

Supposedly it was just a cramp.

[Mike]

The new RB is Marcel Shipp, formerly of the Arizona Cardinals and the University of Massachussetts.

I don't see a big trade for a RB as others are thinking will happen. I do think we will pick up someone cut from another roster. If we could pick up a guy like Kenton Keith that would be great. While we have some strength in numbers that will cause a cut on the DL, someone else will cut a back.

All we need to do is run it enough to be able to play action and bootleg. I still think over the next two weeks Gibbs will work to refine the running game.

[Nconroe]

So, did they put Fred Weary on IR, to make room for Shipp on 80 man roster. To sad to see Weary most likely gone. Wonder if Ahman Green will be the next IR casualty?

[kRocket]

I don't think they would cut anyone for Shipp. He is a walking hospital ward himself. Looks like he has played 2-2 1/2 full years out of seven years of experience. Methinks he is TC fodder only.

[Keith]

Looking at the Dolphins depth chart; Ronnie Brown, Ricky Williams, and Patrick Cobbs are the top 3 RBs on their roster. My pipe dream would be to acquire 6'0" 224lbs Jalen Parmele.

According to Mort from ESPN, Ronnie Brown might be available.

http://miamiherald.typepad.com/dolphins_in_depth/2008/08/ronnie-brown-on.html

I'm saying Mortensen sort of reported it because, frankly, he backed into the whole subject. The Monday Night Countdown show was doing one of its cheesey segments, this one called 'Sink or Swim,' in which the pundits were giving their opinion whether certain players would succeed or fail this year.

Mortensen was asked about Ricky Williams and while talking about how he would "swim," he went on to say that the Dolphins are so pleased with Williams he "would not be surprised if Ronnie Brown sinks," to the point where "he is playing with another team this season."
...

Before I go on, let me tell you that Mortensen was at Miami's preseason game against Jacksonville Saturday evening and he did spend time talking to general manager Jeff Ireland. So one presumes this comes from Ireland as the source and not just out of sheer speculation.

But it is possible for a GM to sometimes think out loud without having any real expectation of following through on an idea and also not expecting the idea to actually be unveiled on national TV.

I would think if Mort, an outstanding reporter by any measure one uses, had the story nailed, he would have come stronger than he just did. I would think it would have been his lead comment, not the Williams sink or swim bunk.


I'd be a little surprised if the Dolphins traded Brown and looked at Ricky and Parmele as their backs. Can't imagine this "report" has much substance.

[Bigtinylittle]

Barring injury, I think the Texans have decided they are set with what they have. Even without Shipp they have five guys who are healthy enough to play right now, and all five are probably at least as good as Dayne was last year.

[KJ3]

According to Mort from ESPN, Ronnie Brown might be available.

http://miamiherald.typepad.com/dolphins_in_depth/2008/08/ronnie-brown-on.html



I'd be a little surprised if the Dolphins traded Brown and looked at Ricky and Parmele as their backs. Can't imagine this "report" has much substance.

i think a trade for ricky williams is more likely....ronnie brown is a damn good RB what the hell are those hacks thinking? he ate our lunch last year and i doubt we were the only ones...what would it take to get brown here?

[Mike]

i think a trade for ricky williams is more likely....ronnie brown is a damn good RB what the hell are those hacks thinking? he ate our lunch last year and i doubt we were the only ones...what would it take to get brown here?

Ricky Williams here? Hell no, I don't want him. I would rather Darius Walker, at least you can count on him for having his head screwed on straight.

Ronnie Brown is a pipe dream. He was the #2 overall pick in the draft. The compensation and $ would be more than what we would want to take on, plus he is coming off an injury. I love Ronnie Brown, but would not take a chance on him.

There is going to be someone who can help us that is going to get a visit from "the Turk."

[KJ3]

Ricky Williams here? Hell no, I don't want him. I would rather Darius Walker, at least you can count on him for having his head screwed on straight.
i really didn't mean to get the ricky-williams-smokes-pot-and-plays-football debate going. just said that moving him would be far more likely than moving brown.

Ronnie Brown is a pipe dream. He was the #2 overall pick in the draft. The compensation and $ would be more than what we would want to take on, plus he is coming off an injury. I love Ronnie Brown, but would not take a chance on him.
i would be willing to take a chance on him but i kind of figured we would be giving up more than we really could to get him. if anything i think you would say Ricky is the pipe dream...er....hahaha

There is going to be someone who can help us that is going to get a visit from "the Turk."
.....the who?

[nero THE zero]

According to Mort from ESPN, Ronnie Brown might be available.

http://miamiherald.typepad.com/dolphins_in_depth/2008/08/ronnie-brown-on.html



I'd be a little surprised if the Dolphins traded Brown and looked at Ricky and Parmele as their backs. Can't imagine this "report" has much substance.

I'd find it less suprising if they think they could get some nice picks for him. They are in rebuilding mode and he is coming off a serious knee injury. If they feel there are questions about his knee, or feel that additional picks are more valuable to their future than Ronnie Brown I wouldn't be suprised to see it happen.

That being said, I don't think I'd give up more than a second for him and I would be really hesitant to do that.

[dadmg]

I'd love Ronnie Brown on my team, especially next year when his knee is fully recovered. He was quickly becoming one of the top 2 or 3 backs in the league before his injury.

That said, because he was taken at #2, Brown's contract is much, much higher than I'd want to pay a running back, even an elite one. Combine that with the high cost to trade for someone of his stature and the likelihood that he won't be back up to elite speed until next year and I couldn't pull the trigger. As much as I would want a talent like him on my team, I don't think I could ever invest that heavily in an RB given the nature of the position.

[Keith]

First off, I'm even more convinced tonight that the Dolphins are not going to trade Ronnie Brown.

But one point... Brown's contract isn't cheap, but the bonus acceleration would hit the Dolphin's cap in the event of a trade. This means, as far as I can tell, that the Texans would only be on the hook for Brown's base salaries (and any future paid not-yet-earned bonuses I think, if there even are any).

So, the problem is Brown is getting a big raise this season, having base salaries of about $3.6 million in 2008 and 2009 and $5 million in 2010. The flip side to that is that there would be little to no dead money risk if Brown doesn't fully recover. It would just be a question of trade compensation, which would probably include a decent draft pick ...assuming Miami would even trade him, which I very much doubt they would.

[NBT]

I think we just wait. the cutdown to 53 will come after next week, and some good players will be cut.