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The Kansas City Chiefs added six draft picks in the 2019 NFL Draft and each of those rookies made contributions during the season and postseason. This draft had a mix of offensive and defensive players compared to the 2018 NFL Draft, which was primarily defensive players for the Chiefs. Let’s take a look at Mecole Hardman’s 2019 season and see what we can project for the future.
Georgia WR Mecole Hardman – 56 overall
Stat |
2019 totals |
| Games played | 16 |
| Games started | 5 |
| Offensive Snaps | 471 |
| Special Teams Snaps | 123 |
| Receptions | 26 |
| Targets | 41 |
| Recieving tards | 538 |
| Receiving touchdowns | 6 |
| Kick returns | 27 |
| Punt returns | 18 |
| Return yardage | 871 |
| Return touchdowns | 1 |
2019 season review:
Hardman was the top draft choice for the Chiefs and with that came a specific set of expectations. Head coach Andy Reid threw a lot at Hardman in his first offseason in order to see what he could do. From countless repetitions with Patrick Mahomes to throwing different defensive looks and coverages at him.
“He’s getting better every day,” Reid said in June. “We’re asking him to do a lot and he’s staying up on it. Sometimes he’s not quite sure and there’s a little hesitation, then the next time he runs it he’s got it. So that’s what you’re looking for. We’ve been happy with his progress.”
During training camp, the biggest thing Hardman struggled with was adjusting to the speed of the game. He also needed to understand that no play was dead with Mahomes as his quarterback.
Hardman was thrust into action when both Tyreek Hill and Sammy Watkins suffered early-season injuries. By Week 2 of the regular season, Hardman’s role in the offense increased significantly. When both Hill and Watkins returned to the starting lineup and Hardman took a backseat, he still managed to produce. Whether it was breaking off a big play on limited offensive snaps or setting up the Chiefs with great field position on special teams.
By season’s end, Hardman was selected for the Mack Lee Hill Award, recognizing the top rookie for Kansas City.
2020 season outlook:
Ultimately, Hardman impressed with his maturity and production during the 2019 season. He seemed to fit into the offense and locker room with ease. Most importantly, he was able to step up when the team needed him to.
In 2020, it looks like Demarcus Robinson is set to leave in free agency. Watkins could become a cap casualty if he refuses to restructure his contract. That means that Hardman could be in line to become WR2 opposite Tyreek Hill. He’ll likely have more opportunities in his second season no matter what happens with the others on the team, which is why it’s extremely important that he continues to work to improve his game.
I spoke about the sophomore slump in a previous review and how it can be even deadlier after a Super Bowl win. Work is never over if you want to be recognized as one of the best. So far that seems to be instilled in this rookie class, we’ll see if Hardman and the rest of them can take things to the next level in 2020.
Chiefs 2019 rookie season reviews:
WR Mecole Hardman (You’re here!)