Cleveland Browns: Greatest 15 first-round NFL Draft picks of all time

SAN DIEGO - SEPTEMBER 25: Full back Mike Pruitt #43 of the Cleveland Browns follows his blocker center Robert Jackson #68 during a game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium on September 25, 1983 in San Diego, California. The Browns won 30-24 in overtime. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images) /

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SAN DIEGO – SEPTEMBER 25: Full back Mike Pruitt #43 of the Cleveland Browns follows his blocker center Robert Jackson #68 during a game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium on September 25, 1983 in San Diego, California. The Browns won 30-24 in overtime. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images) /

9. Mike Pruitt, RB

Do it, Pruitt! Mike Pruitt was drafted seventh overall out of Purdue in 1976.

It took Pruitt a couple seasons to get going, largely because the Browns already had a featured back Greg Pruitt.

Pruitt’s slow start coincided with the firing of Forest Gregg during the Pruitt’s second season in 1977. With Gregg as coach Pruitt carried the ball just 99 times, for 343 yards (3.5 yards per carry) and a touchdown.

When Sam Ruttigliano took the job as coach, Pruitt’s career started to trend upward. Halfway through 1978, Pruitt took on more of a featured role, rushing for 560 yards and nine touchdowns.

He broke out in 1979 with 1,294 yards, marking one of the best seasons a Browns’ running back has ever put forth. Pruitt averaged 4.9 yards per carry that season, in addition to catching 41 balls for 372 yards.

Pruitt finished his career with five seasons over the 1,000-yard mark. In his nine year career, he played in 152 games and gained 7,378 yards, while racking up 56 touchdowns. He was a two-time Pro Bowler.

Pruitt ranks third in Browns’ career rushing yardage, trailing only Jim Brown and LeRoy Kelly.

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