Tennessee tailback Hardesty to visit Pats

[BPF]

Tennessee tailback to visit Pats - Extra Points - Boston.com

The Patriots will host Tennessee tailback Montario Hardesty on Wednesday, one of 30 in-house visits slated to each team by the league.

If he checks out physically there are a lot of things to like about Hardesty. He's patient and has good vision. He just looks like a natural RB who has a feel for the position. He's strong enough to fight through arm tackles and seems like a downhill type. He also seems to have good balance and nice ability to bounce off tackles. He also has had contributions in the passing game this past season, hands look good and seems to know how to run routes coming out of the backfield and in slot (see Alabama game vs CB Jackson.)

Now, just because he's had an injury history in college doesn't mean that will continue in NFL. Look at Maroney, he was not injured in college but has had a tough time staying healthy in pros. Hardesty's injury history, coupled with the fact that he is a seemingly late bloomer, will lead to him being drafted later than his talent level and some team will probably get a steal.

 

[BritPat]

Already posted in the contacts list thread.....

 

[BPF]

Already posted in the contacts list thread.....

Ooppsss....missed that.

 

[BritPat]

Ooppsss....missed that.

No worries dude

 

[Marqui]

I hope the Pats draft him. Seems like a perfect fit with his running style and pass catching ability.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

They are bringing him in for the medical to check out a reported spinal issue...if memory isn't too faulty tonight.

 

[WesWelker83]

My favorite Rb in this entire draft. Hardesty proved he was a great back this year in a great league vs some very good defenses like Florida and South Carolina. He always is running down hill and falling forward. He hits the hole hard and doesnt dance around. This guy simply runs through people and he has a great ability to make people miss in space which is huge for Rbs in the NFL. He is experienced in blitz pickups and he can catch the ball out of the backfield. He also played in a college program that has a lot of guys who have coached in the NFL (The Kiffins).

He would look real good in a Pats uniform in the 3rd round. I really hope we trade our last 2nd rd pick down for 2 picks so we can get my favorite Rb Hardesty and my favorite TE Pitta in the 3rd.

 

[BPF]

My favorite Rb in this entire draft. Hardesty proved he was a great back this year in a great league vs some very good defenses like Florida and South Carolina. He always is running down hill and falling forward. He hits the hole hard and doesnt dance around. This guy simply runs through people and he has a great ability to make people miss in space which is huge for Rbs in the NFL. He is experienced in blitz pickups and he can catch the ball out of the backfield. He also played in a college program that has a lot of guys who have coached in the NFL (The Kiffins).

He would look real good in a Pats uniform in the 3rd round. I really hope we trade our last 2nd rd pick down for 2 picks so we can get my favorite Rb Hardesty and my favorite TE Pitta in the 3rd.

I like both as well but we don't have a 3rd this yr.

 

[BPF]

They are bringing him in for the medical to check out a reported spinal issue...if memory isn't too faulty tonight.

Knee, I haven't heard anything about spinal issue.

 

[VJCPatriot]

I wouldn't mind Hardesty in the 3rd if his medicals check out. I like Ben Tate better though.

 

[mcmurtry86]

I hope the Pats draft him. Seems like a perfect fit with his running style and pass catching ability.

He's also the best blitz blocker out of all the quality backs in the draft. Would be a great fit in the Pats' scheme.

 

[Kontradiction]

If his health checks out, this guy would be a steal. He was the one guy on offense that actually kept Tennessee in the game against the Gators this past year and appears to be a pretty good runner.

 

[BPF]

I wouldn't mind Hardesty in the 3rd if his medicals check out. I like Ben Tate better though.

Tate doesn't have the ability to make people miss not only in the run game but also out of the backfield.

 

[CoachK]

They are bringing him in for the medical to check out a reported spinal issue...if memory isn't too faulty tonight.

I believe that was Gronkowski (TE) who was reported to be suffering form spinal stenosis.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

I believe that was Gronkowski (TE) who was reported to be suffering form spinal stenosis.

I know about Gronk, but there was something I read where Hardesty had a medical issue which might force him to slide, BPF thinks it was a knee, I "thought" I remembered back, either way, he's an attractive target who needs much due diligence from the medicos.

 

[BPF]

I know about Gronk, but there was something I read where Hardesty had a medical issue which might force him to slide, BPF thinks it was a knee, I "thought" I remembered back, either way, he's an attractive target who needs much due diligence from the medicos.

ProFootballWeekly.com - Top 10 RB prospects

Played two games as a freshman in 2005 before suffering a season-ending torn right ACL against Mississippi (was granted a medical hardship). Ran six times for 18 yards (3.0-yard average) and zero touchdowns. Underwent minor surgery on his left knee in May '06. Returned to start 5-of-13 games in the fall, rushing 107-384-4 (3.6) with six receptions for 54 yards (9.0) and zero TDs. Carried 89-373-3 (4.2) and caught 3-25-0 (8.3) in 10 games in '07. Sustained a high right ankle sprain in the season opener against California before trying to play hurt against Southern Miss (two carries) and sitting out the next two contests. Also did not play against Alabama (coach's decision) and LSU (ankle). Sustained a stress fracture in his left foot during '08 spring practice, an injury that nagged him throughout the season. Toted 76-271-6 (3.6) and caught 4-24-0 (6.0) in 11 games (started against Vanderbilt). Did not play against Wyoming (foot). Became the featured back in '09 and started all 13 games, rushing 282-1,345-13 (4.8) with 25-302-1 (12.1) receiving. Suffered a right shoulder subluxation in practice leading up to the Ohio contest, then had his right knee drained the next week. Team captain.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

ProFootballWeekly.com - Top 10 RB prospects

Yup, due diligence needed.

 

[sg14]

ProFootballWeekly.com - Top 10 RB prospects

That made me hurt just reading that,,,,ouch

 

[BillBelichickFan79]

Hardesty and Spiller are my favorite RB's, so I'm stoked to hear this. Would love to see either of them added to inject some youth into this ancient backfield

 

[BPF]

New piece on Hardesty today, from NFP: Running angry | National Football Post