Sleeper/Steal Alert: Montario Hardesty
By Editorial Staff
Sleeper/ Steal Alert
Every year the NFL Draft is littered with Busts and Steals/Sleepers. Steals/Sleepers are what make a team’s draft special and build decision makers reputations. Some of the more famous Steals/Sleepers include Tom Brady (round 6 pick 199), Terrell Davis (round 6 pick 196), and Zack Thomas (round 5 pick 154). But a Steal/Sleeper doesn’t necessarily have to be drafted in the later rounds. An example would be the Green Bay Packers getting Clay Matthews at pick 26 after players like Larry English were selected. Matthews earned a spot on the NFC Pro Bowl after registering 10 sacks in his rookie season. We are going to examine some of the different sleepers in this year’s draft.
Player:
Montario Hardesty- RB- Tennessee
Projected Rounds:
3rd-4th Rounds
Thoughts:
Montario Hardesty is one of the many later round running backs that may make an impact this season. There are question marks about his durability and overall speed. Hardesty may have answered speed questions by running a respectable 4.49 40 time. During his career at Tennessee he suffered from several injuries until he was at full strength his senior season. During that senior campaign he rushed for 1,345 yards and proved to be a tough runner with good vision. He is a load to bring down and often carries defenders for a few extra yards at the end of a run. Another positive for Hardesty is that he played in a pro style offense where he became familiar with pass protection technique. His pass protection ability and reliable hands mean that he is capable of being a 3 down back. Teams are targeting Hardesty in round 3 and 4 and whoever chooses him will get one of NFLMock’s sleeper running backs.