Rookie RB Hardesty Running as a starter in OTAs

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rotoworld,
Coach Eric Mangini heaped more praise on Montario Hardesty, as the rookie handled the bulk of the first-team reps Thursday.

"He has had a really outstanding camp," Mangini said. "For a young guy, he makes very few mistakes. His level of maturity is one of the highest that I've been around ... And that's going to give him the best chance to not only play, but to play a lot if he continues." We're not trying to over-emphasize the depth-chart switch because this was Jerome Harrison's first offseason practice open to the media. Still, it's obvious that Mangini envisions a significant role for Hardesty.
Source: Scout.com
 
Montario Hardesty continues to play ahead of incumbent starter Jerome Harrison in OTA's, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports. It's still early to make a call but this something worth keeping an eye on as Hardesty could be in line for a nice share of the Browns RBBC pie.
 
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Still not sure why the lack of faith in Jerome Harrison, all he did when given a true opportunity was shine. In game in which he received at least 20 carries last season here are his numbers:
wk 4 vs Cin - 29 car - 121 yds
wk 15 vs KC - 34 car - 286 yds - 3 TD
wk 16 vs Oak - 39 car - 138 yds - 1 TD
wk 17 vs Jac - 33 - 127 yds - 1 TD

Not saying he's the next Jim Brown, but I think Cleveland is giving him a raw deal somewhat. That said, don't underestimate this rook, they seem hell bent on giving him a shot and he could run with it.
 
Miller said:
Still not sure why the lack of faith in Jerome Harrison, all he did when given a true opportunity was shine. In game in which he received at least 20 carries last season here are his numbers:
wk 4 vs Cin - 29 car - 121 yds
wk 15 vs KC - 34 car - 286 yds - 3 TD
wk 16 vs Oak - 39 car - 138 yds - 1 TD
wk 17 vs Jac - 33 - 127 yds - 1 TD

Not saying he's the next Jim Brown, but I think Cleveland is giving him a raw deal somewhat. That said, don't underestimate this rook, they seem hell bent on giving him a shot and he could run with it.
Click to expand...

I agree, I liked Harrisons' late season body of work at RB. 30-40 carries a game with great production. Maybe they just want to quickly bring Hardesty up to speed on the playbook early in camp before sorting out who gets to do what.
 
Miller said:
Still not sure why the lack of faith in Jerome Harrison, all he did when given a true opportunity was shine. In game in which he received at least 20 carries last season here are his numbers:
wk 4 vs Cin - 29 car - 121 yds
wk 15 vs KC - 34 car - 286 yds - 3 TD
wk 16 vs Oak - 39 car - 138 yds - 1 TD
wk 17 vs Jac - 33 - 127 yds - 1 TD
Click to expand...

Also remember that 3 out of the 4 teams he ran all over were ranked in the bottom for run defense.
 
But Cincy was one of the better run D's in the league....so he does have that in there.
 
cbssports.com,
The Cleveland Plain-Dealer reports Browns rookie RB Montario Hardesty, who is in serious contention with Jerome Harrison to start this season, has made quite an impression this offseason. Coach Eric Mangini has said how Hardesty lines up in the right place. He knows the plays. He doesn't miss assignments, and he makes adjustments to the defense. "[Hardesty] has had a really outstanding camp," Mangini said. "His level of maturity is one of the highest that I've been around." The paper reports Hardesty tends to fall forward when tackled, and how he seems to have wide vision and picks the right holes. The 1,345 yards he rushed for in 2009 was fourth best all-time at Tennessee. He also has looked very confident as a receiver in drills, showing how he averaged 12.1 yards per catch for his 25 receptions as a senior at Tennessee. "This guy can be special," said president Mike Holmgren.
 
rotoworld,
Tony Grossi of the Cleveland Plain Dealer predicts that rookie Montario Hardesty will be the Browns' Week 1 starting tailback.

"I don't see him getting beat out by Jerome Harrison or anyone else," writes Grossi, adding that he envisions Hardesty as the Browns' rookie with the best shot to start on Opening Day, ahead of even No. 7 overall pick Joe Haden. If Hardesty does win the camp battle, he'll be worth consideration as a low-end RB2.
Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
cbssports.com,
The agent for Browns rookie RB Montario Hardesty confirmed to the Akron Beacon Journal that his client is expected to be signed on-time for training camp on July 31. Mitch Frankel, who is also the agent for Browns rusher Jerome Harrison, says both of his clients will be ready to participate in camp. Harrison and Hardesty are expected to be in a battle for not just the starting job but playing time all season long. Harrison held out of offseason activities while as a restricted free agent but ultimately signed his one-year tender offer. The Browns traded up in the 2010 draft for Hardesty, and all signs point to the team using both backs in tandem.

Analysis: Browns coaches and front-office staff have laid the compliments on thick on Hardesty all spring -- either as a ploy to motivate Harrison or because they really like the kid. He's essentially a fresh version of Jamal Lewis (right down to the alma mater and jersey number) who could work between the tackles and at the goal-line. He might -- repeat, might -- have a chance to outproduce Jerome Harrison this season. Hardesty is a Round 6 or 7 pick to target as a No. 3 RB candidate, about the same spot Harrison should go in drafts now that Hardesty is in town. We'll be watching him this preseason.
 
My gut tells me that mangini starts with the vet, but Hardesty will take over the majority at some point this year.
 
Joe Bryant,
CLE - RB Jerome Harrison may start camp as No. 2 RB
Source: Tony Grossi - Cleveland Plain Dealer

Cleveland Browns RB Jerome Harrison may start training camp as the team's No. 2 running back behind RB Montario Hardesty because he missed most of the offseason workouts while Hardesty impressed the coaches during the workouts, according to Tony Grossi, of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.


OUR VIEW

Harrison will compete with Hardesty to be the starting running back, but this season should start with a RBBC in Cleveland. We love Hardesty's skill set and believe he can be a star in this league (if he stays healthy), but he will have to prove himself in pass protection if he wants a full time role. Harrison is capable of piling up big yards on the ground, but durability is a concern for the veteran back.
 
rotoworld,
Browns agreed to terms with second-round RB Montario Hardesty on a four-year contract.

And with this, one of fantasy's most interesting training camp competitions is on. Hardesty will be going toe-to-toe with Jerome Harrison in a battle for carries. The rookie impressed in the spring while Harrison was mostly AWOL due to a contract dispute, so Hardesty is well on his way to landing the starting gig. If he locks it down, he'll be coming off draft boards as a low-end RB2.
Source: Mary Kay Cabot on Twitter
 
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