BROWNS Overlooked Portis ready to strut

The Browns selected William Green over the Broncos' back in the 2002 draft.
DENVER (AP) -- Butch Davis went into the 2002 draft looking for a big, durable running back who could be effective in the often sloppy conditions of the AFC North.
He figured that was the way to go after looking around the division and seeing players like Jamal Lewis, Corey Dillon and Jerome Bettis.
When it came time to use the 16th pick in the draft, Cleveland's coach picked sturdy William Green instead of 205-pound Clinton Portis, even though he recruited Portis at the University of Miami.
"When guys come into the league, you never have any idea," Davis said. "You don't know the circumstances of the team that they're joining, what's the role they're going to play, what's the supporting cast, all the different dynamics."
Davis will get a firsthand look at what Portis has become today when the Browns (4-9) meet the Denver Broncos (8-5). He might not like what he sees.
Getting better
Portis was the NFL's offensive rookie of the year last season after rushing for 1,508 yards -- almost twice Green's total -- and he has been better this year. Despite missing what amounted to two games with a bruised sternum, he's fourth in the league with 1,452 yards and averages 5.8 yards per carry.
And Portis has gotten stronger as the season has progressed.
He had 165 yards on just 11 carries against Chicago on Nov. 23, and followed that with a 34-carry, 170-yard game against Oakland in the rain.
Portis topped it last week against Kansas City, rushing for 218 yards -- 188 in the second half -- and five touchdowns in a 45-27 win that kept the Broncos in the thick of the AFC playoff race.
Not bad for the fourth running back taken in the 2002 draft.
"Stuff happens. You're not going to satisfy everybody, everybody's not going to like you," Portis said. "You ain't going to be the back for everybody's system. I ended up in a great situation. I love being here with the Broncos and I'm glad that nobody did take me before then."
Troubled back
Green rushed for 887 yards and six touchdowns last season, but it has been nothing but problems this year.
He was suspended by the league after being arrested for driving under the influence in October.
While serving the suspension, his fiancee was accused of stabbing him in the back with a steak knife and police found marijuana in four places while searching his home that night.
Just last week, the league extended Green's suspension, meaning it's unlikely he'll play again this season.
Cleveland would seem like easy pickings for a team that's won three of four games and is fighting for a wild-card spot, but the Broncos know better.
The Browns, led by a stout line, have the league's 10th-ranked defense and are second-best in the red zone, allowing just 12 touchdowns in 39 attempts from inside the 20.
And Tim Couch is back as the starter after coming off the bench and nearly leading Cleveland to a comeback win over St. Louis.