Cleveland RB Montario Hardesty Still Impressing Mangini

Jun 13, 2010

The Canton Repository reports that Browns rookie running back Montario Hardesty seems quick in his cuts and has caught the ball well, but most importantly, Cleveland head coach Eric Mangini raves about his attentiveness. The paper also reported that in one post-practice mind game, Hardesty was asked to recite names of defensive players he is practicing against.

“He blew through it like he’s known them all their lives,” Mangini said.

Fantasy Impact:

This isn't the first time Mangini has praised Hardesty since the Browns drafted him. While Hardesty is currently at 47 in our rankings, he has been on the upswing while Jerome Harrison has been sliding. Harrison, at 39, isn't that far ahead of Hardesty on our board. Right now, Harrison is a strong candidate to be drafted higher than he should be based on his strong run at the end of the 2009 season, while Hardesty could outperform his draft position. As our ratings indicate, Harrison is still the best Cleveland back to have on your team, but he's not worth reaching for in a draft. Hardesty, on the other hand, could turn out to be a bargain.

yesterday

Chargers to sign RB J.K. Dobbins on one-year deal

Tom Pelissero

yesterday · 7:45 PM EDT

Former Ravens RB J.K. Dobbins is planning to sign with the #Chargers on a one-year deal. Electric when healthy, Dobbins — who averages 5.8 yards per carry in his career — reunites with OC Greg Roman and can hit the market again in March.

Related Players: Gus Edwards

Fantasy Impact:

Dobbins has had poor injury luck in his career, but has only managed 234 total rushes since being drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. This is a low-risk, high-reward move by the Chargers and might give them a runway to wait a little longer in the '24 Draft before they address the position.

Apr 16

Cowboys sign RB Royce Freeman

Todd Archer

Apr 16 · 8:15 PM EDT

The Cowboys have signed running back Royce Freeman to a one-year deal. Freeman had 319 yards on 77 carries with 2 touchdowns last year for the Los Angeles Rams. He was 3rd round pick of Denver in '18.

Related Players: Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn

Fantasy Impact:

Freeman hasn't rushed for 500 yards since 2018, his rookie season. This shouldn't have any impact on the team drafting at the position and/or bringing back Ezekiel Elliott.

Apr 15

Eagles sign WR DeVonta Smith to three-year extension

Ian Rapoport

Apr 15 · 10:45 AM EDT

The Eagles have paid another big-time, rising player. This time, WR DeVonta Smith gets a 3-year, $75M contract extension that includes $51M guaranteed.

Related Players: A.J. Brown, DeVante Parker, Parris Campbell

Fantasy Impact:

Great news for Jalen Hurts and the Eagles offense as a whole. Smith will continue his 1b role in which he finished the 2023 season as fantasy's WR22.