Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Montario Hardesty (Tennessee) - 2010 NFL Draft Pick #59 by CLE

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Montario Hardesty (Tennessee)

Overview:
Montario Hardesty was a standout running back from the University of Tennessee, known for his powerful running style and ability to break tackles. He entered the 2010 NFL Draft following a strong college career, showcasing impressive skills that made him an appealing prospect for NFL teams. Strengths:

• Vision: Hardesty displayed excellent vision on the field, allowing him to find running lanes and exploit defensive weaknesses.
• Power: His physical running style enabled him to gain yards after contact, making him a tough back to bring down.
• Speed: Hardesty possessed good straight-line speed, which helped him break away from defenders on long runs.
• Pass Protection: He was capable of picking up blitzes and protecting the quarterback, showcasing his well-rounded skill set.
• Receiving Ability: Hardesty was a competent receiver out of the backfield, adding versatility to his game.

Weaknesses:

• Injury History: Hardesty had suffered injuries during his college career, raising concerns about his durability at the next level.
• Consistency: While he had strong performances, there were games where he struggled to find his rhythm against tougher defenses.
• Footwork: Occasionally, he could be caught running too upright, which made him more susceptible to taking hits.

Overall Assessment:
Montario Hardesty was regarded as a solid prospect in the 2010 NFL Draft, capable of being an effective starter in the right system. Teams looking for a power back with the ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game would find Hardesty to be an intriguing option. However, his injury history and consistency issues were points of concern that teams had to weigh against his potential upside.