Cincinnati Bengals Sign Former Lions Running Back Aaron Brown

The Cincinnati Bengals announced that they've signed former Detroit Lions running back Aaron Brown on Friday. Selected in the sixth-round during the 2009 NFL Draft out of Texas Christian University, Brown played 22 games with the Lions, posting 189 yards on 45 rushes (4.2 yard/rush average) -- though a significant portion of that was during his rookie season in 2009. The Lions waived Brown on September 4, 2011 before re-signing him on November 28 -- he was released one month later.

During his four seasons at TCU -- two with Andy Dalton as a teammate -- Brown generated 2,596 yards rushing on 487 rushes and 20 touchdowns rushing. From Aaron Brown's CBSSports.com Draft Page:

Positives: Good quickness and straight-line speed, making him tough to catch from behind. Shifty in the hips, allowing him to avoid arm tackles and slip through small holes. Has foot quickness to sidestep tacklers and find a crease inside. Can run through trash inside, but is best when bouncing outside. Uses his vision to cut back into open space. Versatile enough to be sent in motion as a receiver. Adequate hands on the outside, can make the first man miss in space. Height and speed combination forces tough coverage matchups against linebackers and safeties. Willing blocker to free up other backs. Will get a chance to return kicks because he's willing to take the ball straight upfield and take punishment.

Negatives: A running back/receiver 'tweener. Wide receiver build, good upper body development but tall and thin in the hips and calves. Fails to lower his pad level and is therefore too easy to bring down and takes too many big hits. Lacks lower body strength to anchor and sustain blocks outside, and misses his target on the run too often. Rarely used as a pass protector in the backfield. Takes time to get to full speed, tending to take long strides as a receiver. Does not switch ball into outside hand and is a bit loose with the handle.