On Thursday, former Vols Eric Berry and Dan Williams were drafted No. 5 and No. 26 respectively in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft. On Friday, it was Montario Hardesty‘s turn.
Tennessee’s leading rusher last season was taken in the second round by the Cleveland Browns with the 59th overall pick.
The Browns traded a third round pick along with two fifth round picks to move into position to draft Hardesty.
When the news broke that Cleveland traded up to the second round, many fans assumed it was to draft Colt McCoy. Instead, the Browns had their eye on Hardesty.
Although he was plagued with injuries while at Tennessee, during his senior season Hardesty showed what he is capable of when healthy. The talented back rushed for 1245 yards and 13 touchdowns and was the focal point of the Vols’ offense.
The Browns don’t seem concerned about his injury-ridden past.
“(Hardesty) did have some nicks, but we think he’s healthy,” said Browns General Manager Tom Heckert. “That’s why we have doctors and trainers, and they feel comfortable with these guys.”
“I played every game this year, so I’m healthy now,” said Hardesty, who played in all 13 games for the first time in his college career.
Jerome Harrison is expected to be the Browns starter, but after that the roster seems pretty wide open. With the skill set he brings to the table, Hardesty should be able to compete for playing time right away.
1 response to “Montario Hardesty drafted by the Browns”
I’ll agree with the Browns! They got the best rb in this years draft IMO. I watched MH his whole career at Tn. and I thought he was the real deal from the start. He showed flashes every time he hit the field. He did have some problems with a couple of injuries that held him back. It seemed he wanted to play so bad that even when he wasn’t healthy I think he cheated himself by playing before he was truly ok to go. Then it seemed that CPF had this thing about upper classmen and really didn’t give him the chance. I wish him the very best and I think he will not disapoint! Go MH!!