There’s been a lot to digest over the past 48 hours or so, as so far the 2010 offseason has proven to be far more dramatic than previously imagined.  From sensationalist reports regarding Seneca Wallace as a new franchise savior to Derek Anderson verbally running over legions of Browns faithful, the past couple days have been nothing short of eventful.

Speaking of which, allow me to weigh on everyone’s favorite scandal.

Anderson Apologizes for Ripping Fans

“The fans are ruthless and don’t deserve a winner,” Anderson wrote. “I will never forget getting cheered when I was injured. I know at times I wasn’t great. I hope and pray I’m playing when my team comes to town and (we) roll them.”

“I’m looking forward to starting a new chapter in my life.”

Here’s my take – who cares?  No one likes a long goodbye.  And really, DA – you “hope and pray…you’re playing”?  How inspired.

Speaking of more important things…

Lombardi on Browns “New” Offense

Seneca Wallace was traded from the Seahawks to the Cleveland Browns for a late round pick in the 2011 draft, which is essentially giving him away for nothing. The reason teams can no longer trade a player for past considerations, which was the norm years ago, is that the league outlawed that provision. Now, teams must trade a substantial pick for a player, albeit a conditional one. This deal for Wallace is basically the Seahawks giving him away instead of just cutting him….

I suspect this will not be the last move the Browns make at quarterback as the offseason progresses. Wallace now allows the Browns to cut Derek Anderson before they have to pay a roster bonus. But the Browns are not done acquiring quarterbacks. This move makes it clear that the Browns will be a West Coast offense, and head coach Eric Mangini has no choice but to run this style….

First of all, why does everyone think the Wallace trade led to DA’s release?  DA would have been cut anyway; it was only a matter of time before his roster bonus was due.  While Wallace is indeed an insurance policy at QB, he should not be viewed as the reason for DA’s departure.

Anyway…

I still don’t completely get what Lombardi – and several others are describing.  How exactly are the Browns turning into a West Coast offense, especially considering their current personnel?  Merely adding Seneca Wallace does not improve the current group of raw wideouts, run blockers and downhill backs, does it?

Holmgren, Lombardi – or anyone else who was watching last December – had to find it obvious that the Browns only real path to offensive success came on the backs of their ground game.  After all, once the decision was made to take the ball out of the Browns’ QB hands, the offense took off. 

And now we want to give it back?

In 2010, the only hope we have to go forward is to embrace the past – the sort we saw in December when the Browns channeled their inner Bronko Nagurski and went decidedly old-school.

And just because I’m decidedly cranky today, that wasn’t even Nagurski in the photo.  Take that, DA.

Speaking of which, let’s look ahead to the future, or the past.  Whatever.  I’m confused.  Here are a few running backs that are interesting.

CJ SPILLER
So much for my 2010 vision of Jerome Harrison and Thomas Jones forming one of the league’s most productive rushing duos.  However the Browns’ loss here could ultimately prove to be a bigger gain down the road. 

Maybe.

In today’s league, running backs have grown more disposable than ever.  Perhaps no better evidence of this can be found than in the cases of LaDainian Tomlinson and Brian Westbrook….or the more contemporary C.J. Spiller, who may just be the most electrifying college player entering the NFL draft. 

Yet despite Spiller’s obvious game-changing talents, he is “projected” to go in the draft some dozen spots after a string of project players.  Or, in other words, he’s there for the taking, if the Browns were so inclined. 

While running back is a definite team need, perhaps the recent historical narrative regarding the position offers a warning to the Browns – one that should not be ignored in a fairly deep defensive draft.

However, temptation always lurks…particularly in the case of Spiller.

After all, wouldn’t an NFL revival of “Thunder and Lightning” be kind of intriguing moving forward? 

As for Spiller’s actual game, his skills and likely draft position could make him a tremendous bargain.  Spiller is perhaps the fastest offensive skill player coming out in 2010 – at least on film – and could deliver an impact similar to that of Tennessee’s Chris Johnson. 

However, his “value” still doesn’t come cheap.  Would the talent-starved Browns be willing to risk a first-rounder on an intriguing talent, which would mean walking away from landing a top-flight defender?

RYAN MATHEWS
Here’s everyone’s favorite prospect – who no one has ever watched.  Coming from the Pat Hill NFL Pipeline of Fresno State, Mathews was the WAC’s best rusher – which is very similar to saying that Derek Anderson is the most successful passer in the league to hail from Scapoose.

Anyway, Mathews proved to be a tough inside runner in college, but again such a statement doesn’t hold up when referring to the WAC’s undersized linemen.  The NFL could prove to be a different story.  However, in Mathews’ defense, his downhill running style is very effective – despite his limited speed.  In fact, perhaps Mathews’ best trait is his overall effort – which may only take him so far.

JAHVID BEST
To get back to “value”, Best could make for a great 2^nd or 3^rd round pick.  In some respects, Best is the poor man’s C.J. Spiller, and could even rival him in terms of speed.  Best is skilled at getting to the outside and breaking long runs.  Ultimately, he could prove to be a much cheaper game-changing alternative.

MONTERRIO HARDESTY
Moving from values to “gambles”, here’s the case for Hardesty.  In terms of NFL size, versatility, character and inside-out running style, Hardesty could be the most complete back coming out this year.  However, throw in three knee surgeries and more than a little doubt begins to creep in.  Actually, a lot of doubt when you consider the already-limited life span of a running back.

LAGARRETTE BLOUNT
As for another gamble, here’s Blount, who is probably the most physically gifted and powerful back in this year’s class.  Blount carries close to 250 pounds, but still has some terrific speed.  However, the ever-present character concerns are off the charts with Blount, starting first with his continued weight struggles and of course his opening-season suspension in 2009.

But then, considering how Mangini covets versatility in his players, Blount could offer a great contrast to Jerome Harrison, as well as a mean right hook.

Speaking of which, did you hear about this one?

BEN TATE
Perhaps the most unheralded back coming out this year, Tate excelled in the sweltering, semi-pro nature of the SEC.  A big, downhill type of runner, Tate has some speed, but also displays a terrific all-around game.  Like Hardesty before him, Tate could easily become a part of an NFL team’s running back committee.

ALFONSO SMITH
And because everyone loves a longshot…why not Alfonso Smith?  If you like ultra-fast and deceptively strong, as well as a 6^th round or better value, Smith is your guy.

Which also brings me to this…

THE PICK
I can’t imagine any of the above players, with the exception of Spiller, becoming anything more than an anonymous member of a running back committee.  Perhaps it’s simply because the league has severely devalued running backs in recent years, or possibly because players at the position just do not enjoy long careers anymore….or maybe I’m just a realist and have to admit that spending a high draft pick on a running back is not the most ideal of scenarios…especially for a team like the Browns, who clearly have bigger needs elsewhere. 

After all, if a 3rd or 4th round decision comes down to a running back or offensive lineman, I will quickly become skeptical that our new draft pick will become little more than a newer Jason Wright.

Having said all that, I would be okay if the Browns exited the 2010 draft without selecting a new running back, at least on the newly revamped first or second day.  Heading into the 2010 season with Jerome Harrison and the still unknown potential of James Davis and Chris Jennings is not an ideal situation, but one that is still workable. 

After all, if you point to recent history, some of the league’s most productive backs have been found in the middle and late rounds of the draft, where conveniently enough, most of this year’s draft crop has seemed to settle. 

In the Browns’ case, there is no need to reach for a running back next month, despite the overwhelming evidence that supports the idea that the team’s passing game is historically inept.  In an ideal scenario, the Browns could hold off until the draft’s final day to find more depth, or just scour the ranks of the undrafted free agents.

But then again…wouldn’t C.J. Spiller be a solid early pick?  After all, there is much work to be done before the Browns become a true “West Coast” offense.