Niners Nation Scouting Report: James Hardy, WR, Indiana

by David Fucillo on Jan 24, 2008 9:30 PM PST in San Francisco 49ers News

While there is still the Super Bowl to be played, the NFL Draft is a mere 3 months away and the 49ers have plenty of work to do if they want to regain some momentum next year. For those of you who were not around here during this stretch, I ran some scouting reports on various college players. You can check out the various scouting reports here, along with other 2007 Draft information. I tried to stick with players the 49ers were considering (according to mock drafts and general news) and also guys I liked and hoped the 49ers would grab (see Moore, Jay). For the most part I tried to get these scouting reports from the various SB Nation college bloggers. This worked great for most guys, but of course we don't have a blog for every college. So, before we move on, consider this a general call for any help in either providing scouting reports (if you have watched a lot of a player or maybe attend the same school) or helping to locate blogs of non-SB Nation schools (all blogs are listed here).

For now though, I want to start with James Hardy, who is a guy I've seen selected by the 49ers in several mock drafts, including one of ESPN's draft guys, Todd McShay and also Mel Kiper, Jr. (both Insider-protected). SB Nation does not have an Indiana blog and I don't know a whole lot about Hardy, so this will be a little bit more pieced together than others in the future. The most important things about Hardy? He's TALL and he's got some supposed character red flags. From McShay:

The 49ers need a playmaker at wide receiver to take the attention away from TE Vernon Davis and some pressure off QB Alex Smith. And although Hardy comes with some baggage and he needs some polishing, no receiver in this class possesses a more imposing combination of size and natural athleticism.

For some of the basics on James Hardy:

6'7, 220 lbs, 22 years old, Junior
2005 - 61 rec., 893 yards, 10 TDs
2006 - 51 rec., 722 yards, 10 TDs
2007 - 79 rec., 1125 yards, 16 TDs

For that senior year, he was top 25 in receptions and yards and #2 in the country in touchdown passes (the next closest on his own team was 4 TDs).

Here is a brief scouting report from Pro Football Weekly:

Hardy, at nearly 6-7, 220 pounds, might be the most physically imposing receiver in college football. He is very good catching the ball with his hands above his head and has shown he could dominate with his length and great wingspan, especially in the red zone. His character could be called into question, having been arrested for a domestic incident in the spring of 2006 with the mother of his son, and it could affect his draft value. However, program sources say Hardy has matured, and he is having his best season. He really stood out vs. Penn State's Justin King, but against the bigger, more physical Vontae Davis of Illinois and Jack Ikegwuonu of Wisconsin, Hardy showed he could be kept in check, and he could always have trouble separating with quickness in the pros.

One other scouting report from FFToolbox.com:

James Hardy is the best receiver you've probably never heard of. Hardy is a hard prospect to judge, because if you live outside of Big Ten country you may never get to see him play. Hardy has put together a solid career to this point. After playing for the Indiana basketball team during his red shirt year, Hardy gave up basketball to focus on becoming a better receiver. In 33 career games, Hardy has piled up 191 catches, 2740 yards, and 36 TDs. The 6'7", 220 lbs. junior averages more than a TD per game, or 12 per year, to go with his 83.0 yards per game average during his collegiate career. NFL scouts will drool over his soft hands and his amazing red zone potential. He has the potential to become a bigger, more athletic Plaxico Burress type weapon for some franchise. Hardy has a 42 inch vertical leap, to go along with his size and reported 4.45 speed. Hardy has proved to be an incredibly consistent target, catching at least one pass in every game he's played in for the Hoosiers. Despite facing double coverage on an almost constant basis, Hardy still finds ways to get open. He did not end his career on a high note, with only 5 catches for 50 yards against Oklahoma State. Scouts may have also noticed his 3 dropped passes in that game. Hardy will need to prove to scouts he can keep from getting pushed around by the more physical corners in the league. He also has some red flags off the field and has been criticized about his practice habits. However, if he runs at (or above) his alleged 40 time and shows the same crisp route running he's displayed this season, Hardy will likely rocket up teams' draft boards.

So what does this all mean? Well until the Combine and potential visits with teams, not much beyond what we make of it. If he runs a fast 40, he'll most definitely climb in the rankings. Earlier in the college season he was projected as a 2nd-round, but has risen after an impressive junior campaign. In spite of the numbers he seems to be considered a bit of a project with a ton of upside. He comes in behind Limas Sweed and Early Doucet, and I would not anticipate those guys being around at the end of the first round. Although Hardy could turn into a steal, right now he seems to be a bit of a gamble. Again, if the 40 time looks good at the Combine, teams will be drooling over a guy this big.

What do you think the 49ers would be getting if they drafted Hardy? Or is he a guy you even want to see with the 49ers next year. I've heard arguments both ways and am trying to not to become too enamored by his size. Thoughts?

Oh also, it's not much but here is a search from You Tube with a few highlights (but not much).

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Comments

I have to admit

This guy's been making me drool for a little over a month now, based on size and athleticism alone.

I know those are BAD qualifiers for talent evaluation... but... but... he's almost superhuman with that body....

I keep reliving the moment when Steve Young almost fell down. Over and over.

by howtheyscored on Jan 25, 2008 12:40 AM PST reply actions

No Manningham

Hardy is definitely intriguing but if the Niners draft Manningham I will no longer be a Niners fan. I'll be forced to jump on the Buffalo bandwagon (if there is one) in a preemptive notion to thier move out to LA.

by methodrampage on Jan 25, 2008 7:57 AM PST reply actions

Out of curiosity

What's your beef with Manningham? Is he that sucky? I remember reading a post awhile back. The poster said that he had seem Manningham play quite a bit, and said that he is overated. Not sure if that was you or someone else, though.

by jfainsf49 on Jan 25, 2008 8:20 AM PST up reply actions

The Reason: Cashmere

His middle name is Cashmere, enough said.

It wasn't me that posted the comment you're referring to but I am in agreement with him that poster that Manningham is overrated. People seem to think he's the second coming of Braylon Edwards and he's not. Manningham doesn't strike me as a guy who's going to get it done it the NFL. To me he seems to be strictly a deep threat, which isn't that hard to find later in rounds. But I've always preferred physical receivers and how physical can a 6'0", 178 lbs WR with the middle name Cashmere be?

by methodrampage on Jan 25, 2008 9:36 AM PST up reply actions

Good reason!

by jfainsf49 on Jan 25, 2008 10:08 AM PST up reply actions

I can't decide

if I think the niners should go after a receiver like Hardy with a lot of size, or a guy like Desean Jackson who has amazing speed and quickness. Sounds like Hardy might have some trouble playing against better competition - I'm a little wary of the big 10 these days and it seems like he might have some trouble getting separation in the NFL.

We'll see how he runs at the combine - definitely an interesting prospect and someone who I wouldn't get upset if we picked.

Bring back the classic Uni's!

by wjackalope on Jan 25, 2008 8:37 AM PST reply actions

Jackson

It sounds like Jackson could go as high as in the teens depending on workouts, the combine, etc...It sounds like Jackson, Doucet and Sweed will all be gone. There are some great first round talents, but after that it falls off quickly from what I've read and heard.

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by David Fucillo on Jan 25, 2008 9:26 AM PST up reply actions

James Hardy and Dexter Jackson

I would agree that if Hardy runs well he could be a good pick, but I have three concerns First, Nolan has been unforgiving of talented players that aren't willing to work hard in practice. Second, as a Wisconsin Alumnus I watched Jack Ikegouniu shut Hardy down by playing physical on the line. I would be concerned that once he gets to the NFL physical corners in the NFL will be able to keep him under wraps if he isn't willing to work hard in practice and learn how to get off of jams. Third, the Niners' receivers last year had a terrible time gaining separation on passing routes. Hardy stricks me more as a possession receiver which is not really what the WR corp. needs.

Alternatively, I really like Dexter Jackson from App. State. From what I have seen of the South's practice on the NFL Network. Jackson is the type of speedy reciever that is what the Niners need. Plus I like talented recievers from small schools because they are willing to come in and work hard for everything they get (see Jerry Rice, T.O., Marques Colston).

by wader251 on Jan 25, 2008 12:07 PM PST reply actions

Clarification

I didn't mean to sugget I think Dexter Jackson should be the Niners first round pick. I just think he should be a serious consideration in later rounds.

by wader251 on Jan 25, 2008 12:11 PM PST reply actions

Shaun Rogers

I realize that to most of you Shaun Rogers has little to with James Hardy but for me Shaun Rogers would have almost everything to do with James Hardy or any other potential 1st round WR selection the Niners might make.

First off, I'm pretty much totally against drafting a WR in the first round especially if Frank Okam is available because I feel the need for a solid NT out weighs the need for a WR. However, rumor has it that the Lions wish to move Rogers, who is in fact huge, and could probably play a pretty solid NT. So for me, if we could acquire Rogers I'd be a little more supportive of drafting a WR, possibly in the first if his name isn't Mario Manningham.

So what do you guys think? Would Rogers be someone you think the Niners should consider pursuing and if so what would you give up for him? I'd probably give up our 3rd round pick.

by methodrampage on Jan 25, 2008 2:42 PM PST reply actions

WR in the first

Rogers for a 3rd rd pick would be nice, since we loose BY.

I like Hardy, but I think he will last until the early part of the 2nd rd, so if he is the guy move back to the first few picks of the 2nd and get an extra pick.

I don't have a problem with Mario Manningham, he runs good routs, is fast, is a deep threat and shoves up in big games.

I like the prospect of picking Chris Williams OT with our pick in the 2nd, so extra picks would be nice. He is big and has great feet. Can play LT or RT.

I love the moves this off season and we are sitting in a great position in this year draft. (numerous extra picks)

by alliyah1122 on Jan 25, 2008 3:52 PM PST reply actions

possible draft

Drop back to early 2nd and pick up extra 3rd.

2nd) Chris Williams OT 6'6 315 Vandy
2nd) James Hardy WR 6'7 215 Indiana
3rd) Dre Moore DT 6'4 311 Maryland
3rd) Dwight Lowery CB 6'1 195 San Jose St
4th) Trevor Laws DT 6'1 295 Notre Dame
5th) J. Leman ILB 6'2 245 Illinois
6th) Dexter Jackson WR/KR 5'10 180 Appl St
7th) Dennis Dixson or Matt Flynn QB
6'4 205 Or. 6'3 230 LSU

I love the moves this off season and we are sitting in a great position in this year draft. (numerous extra picks)

by alliyah1122 on Jan 25, 2008 4:50 PM PST reply actions

Rogers/Draft

Well I'm not sure if a 3rd rounder would do it, since he is an all-pro player, but if we have a good offer that helps us more than hinders us then I'm all for it. As for the draft, we need to draft 3 things in the first 3 rounds: WR, NT, OT/OG. It all has to do with who's avalible and who we got in free agency. The premire NT are Frank Okam( 1st rounder) or Pat Simms(2nd rounder). At WR< there are tons of good options. The good news is that this draft may not have a Calvin Johnson, but it has about 10 WR who would be late 1st rounders in oter drafts. OT/OG, woul help, but unless a Sam Baker, or Ryan Clady is on the table, we should hold this one off until the third round. I have fallen off the sign Faneca bangwagon, for I believe Briggs has a higher chance of arriving here, and is younger. Signing Sean Lockerler would help, but as long as we get someone who can be a decent starter, we'll be fine. I see a good season coming up. In fact, I GUARENTEE we go 8-8 or better

by montasmob69 on Jan 26, 2008 12:37 AM PST reply actions

Shaun Rogers

I am not as sure about Shaun Rogers. His problems in Detroit have been with his work ethic and effort. That doesn't sound like a Nolan type of guy. I understand Nolan no longer has "the trigger" on personnel decisions but that doesn't mean he has to play them. Look at Ashley Lelie. He wasn't a Nolan guy and he sat the bench for most of the season much to the shagrin of many niner fans. What do you guys think about Red Bryant from A&M. He seemed like a beast in one on ones and a lot of scouts have been raving about him.

by wader251 on Jan 29, 2008 1:12 PM PST reply actions