Who is Montario Hardesty by Byron Lambert, Rosterwatch.com

Who?

Montario Hardesty is the #2 RB in Cleveland. He looks to be on the verge of a fantasy relevant time share. Coming out of the vaunted SEC the Tennessee alum was a second round draft pick in 2010 which was the first year of the Holmgren era and the last year of the Man-genius reign. Hardesty was a seasoned four year guy coming out after a monster senior season in which he finally got a lot of work and proved he could be a workhorse. In 2009 the Vols senior RB amassed 1345 rushing yards, 302 receiving yards, and 14 tds on 307 touches in 13 games. His rookie campaign in the NFL was quickly cut short by a knee injury. It was early in the year so he has had more than 12 months to rehab. The guy has quicks and hands. Listed at 6’0″  225 lbs his measurables are very solid too, those are NFL specs.

What are his Fantasy Prospects?

If he isn’t already he should be owned in all formats. Not going to be a show stopper but could be a nice role player and consistent contributor on your team. Limited upside but useful production.

Why?

The Browns look competent on offense with QB Colt McCoy at the helm. Being a young QB with a developing and mediocre receiving corps the young team needs to lean on the ground game. The new head coach, Pat Shurmur, runs a pure west coast offense which typically calls for short passes out of the backfield to the RB. Hardesty is the the better receiver out of this RB tandem that includes Peyton Hillis. So far Hillis has not looked as good this year and Hardesty has been serviceable when in. Everyone knows the general attitude of NFL teams towards the RB position has shifted to one of a revolving door. CLE has not yet sunk big money in to Hillis and when a team uses a 2nd rd. pick on an RB they usually seem pretty intent on playing him. Montario Hardesty also seems to be a good compliment to Peyton Hillis making a significant time share a very real possibility.