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.
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.
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