Rookie Ready: Montario Hardesty Could Make Immediate Impact for Cleveland Browns

Stories have been told in the past of players having a tough time transitioning into the NFL from the college level.

Cleveland Browns rookie running back Montario Hardesty is proving that he has a very good grasp of both the playbook and the speed of the game, which proves the point made by some experts who say the running back one of the easiest positions to start at as a rookie in the NFL.

The only problem is that Hardesty has managed to prove himself so far without pads and in no contact drills. Of course, that could quickly change come August in training camp, where players' NFL lives will be on the line, and the hitting becomes real and hard.

With all of the praise this year's second round pick (59th overall) out of Tennessee is receiving, according to many Cleveland.com reports, Hardesty may be a rookie, but is a rookie who will benefit by a strong left side of the offensive line, too.

Browns head coach Eric Mangini has already informed the media that the 2010 Browns will continue the trend they started using to win their last four games of the 2009 season.

And that is to run, and run some more.

Mangini has ranked in the top 10 the last two years in his teams' running offense: The New York Jets were ranked ninth in 2008, and the Browns were No. 8 in rushing in 2009.

The Browns appear to have a good group of young running backs on their depth chart, but it is a very inexperienced group as well, combining for approximately 325 total carriers in all their careers combined.

The youth factor may give Hardesty an edge, even over veteran Jerome Harrison since he is more of a smaller and quicker back, while Hardesty's bigger frame can take a pounding on first and second downs. He is also versatile, and can catch and run, too.

Not to discredit newly-acquired Denver fullback Peyton Hillis, who could get some first and second down reps, too, but his power running will help with short yardage and on the goal-line. He, too, can catch and run out of the backfield, or even in the slot position. Check out Hillis' highlights here . His hands are impressive.

Coaches are currently saying Hardesty has a great understanding for the playbook, and a very good having the ability to already draw up plays on the dry-erase boards in the meeting rooms to make proper adjustments to offensive formations, as well.

It's really hard to judge a rookie running back without pads and contact since that is a big part of the game of football, but it is encouraging to know that at least one of the Browns' rookies is catching on quickly, and could make an impact in 2010 as a possible starter.

Whether or not Hardesty will be the starter remains to be seen, but it is nice to see the Browns will be bringing back smash-mouth football to the AFC North in 2010.

(Also posted on Dawg Scooper: THE Cleveland Browns Blog.)