They don't play the same position, but their situations are eerily similar.
WR Mohamed Massaquoi and RB Montario Hardesty were both limited by injuries last season. The second-round draft picks contributions, even when healthy, have proven disappointing. They are battling for No. 2 spots at their positions respectively and arrived at camp in tremendous shape.
Massaquoi is working to fight off a challenge for the starting job from rookie Josh Gordon, whose tall frame and rangy athleticism have already raised many eyebrows. Hardesty is seeking to fend off Brandon Jackson, who displayed his talents in Green Bay before missing the 2011 season with turf toe.
It has been speculated that a brutal hit delivered by Steelers LB James Harrison in 2010 not only gave Massaquoi a concussion, but made him gun-shy. His regression was in full-swing well before that, however. Following a promising rookie season, his production dropped in 2010 (36-483-2) and 2011 (31-384-2), ranking him among the least productive starting receivers in the NFL.
The Browns traded three picks to move up and take Hardesty in 2010. A torn ACL wiped out his rookie season and a calf injury sidelined him most of last year. When he did play he never displayed the quickness and speed that enamored the Browns to select him. Hardesty blamed his poor play (heaveraged just three yards a carry in 2011) on his health.
"Now I can play without being hurt and thinking about it," said Hardesty, who lost 12 pounds in the offseason, which lessens the pressure on his legs. "I've always been an instinctive player and I need to trust my legs. I had to get my leg back strong to trust it. I worked hard in the offseason and I feel strong. Last year I was just thinking too much."
The Browns' commitment to improve their skill positions netted featured back Trent Richardson and wide receivers Gordon and blurry-fast Travis Benjamin. That translates to competition for Massaquoi and Hardesty. Coach Pat Shurmur believes both are in position to contribute.
"Last year they came in limping and limited," he said. "They had to work their way back. Now they're in camp in shape and healthy. They're able to work on improving their games rather than getting themselves healthy."
Shurmur is not alone on the Massaquoi bandwagon. Team president Mike Holmgren stated Massaquoi will enjoy a breakout season. The proclamation might result in greater pressure on the receiver, who has shown no evidence of 1,000-yard talent in his three years in Cleveland. He could get the chance to prove himself as a starter. The same cannot be said about Hardesty, who is permanently behind Richardson on the depth chart.
In fact, that's about the only thing Massaquoi and Hardesty don't have in common right now.
For more Browns news and notes, follow Marty Glitin @CBSSportsNFLCLE
