The Browns traded up into the second round to select Tennessee RB Montario Hardesty. Hardesty isn’t a pure speed back, but ran well at the combine. He rushed 560 times at Tennessee (2nd most in team history) for 2,391 yards and 26 touchdowns. He is a durability question, with multiple knee injuries.
The Browns gave up a third round pick (#71 overall) and two fifth round picks (#134 and 146 overall) to jump up 11 spots and select Hardesty. The move leaves the Browns with 4 picks. Numbers 92, 160, 177 and 186 overall. Interesting that the Browns entered the draft with 10 picks and suddenly they have only 5 left after getting Haden, Ward and now Hardesty.
Here’s a snippet from Rivals.com-
A tall, well-built back with a strong lower body and an aggressive running style when attacking the line of scrimmage, Hardesty does a nice job keeping his pad level down inside and is surprisingly slippery for a guy his size. He does a nice job setting up blocks, being patient inside and accelerating into daylight. He exhibits a good first step and gets up to speed quickly. He showcases the ability to make defenders miss in tight areas and can finish runs inside. Overall, he isn’t powerful or elusive when nothing is there, and he isn’t the kind of back who can consistently create on his own. But he’s effective when asked to run downhill and can wear down an opposing defense. He does a great job in the pass game and has the ability to be split out wide and can separate from defensive backs in the pass game. He’s a natural receiver who plucks the ball away from his body and is comfortable running routes and creating after the catch. Hardesty is also a very efficient pass protector who does a nice job dropping his pad level and remaining balanced when asked to mirror a linebacker off the edge. He’s had some health issues that need to be checked out, and his future durability is a concern
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