A Look at Mecole Hardman

Mecole Hardman is a newly drafted American wide receiver and return specialist for the Kansas City Chiefs. Hardman has always been a top performer no matter where he played football. He attended Elbert County High School in Georgia, and as a five-star recruit, he committed to the University of Georgia to play college football. He played at Georgia for about two years and had 60 receptions for 961 yards and 11 touchdowns during his college football career. As a return man, Hardman made a staggering 39 punt returns for  592 yards, 35 kick returns for 875 yards, and a touchdown. He decided to forgo his senior year and enter the 2019 NFL draft. He put up great numbers at the combine, running a 4.33 40 yard dash and jumping 37 inches. As a result of his good production at Georgia and good combine numbers, Hardman was drafted 56th overall by the Chiefs. 

This season, he has made a splash for the Chiefs, even making the Pro Bowl and All-Pro team as a return man. This season as a receiver, he racked up 26 catches for 538 yards and 6 touchdowns, his longest being 83 yards. This is certainly not bad for a rookie. Though in the return game he really shines. He has accumulated 704 yards on 27 attempts with one touchdown. His best return of the season was the 104 yard return against the Chargers in the final week of the regular season. 

With that being said, his 58-yard return in the divisional round versus the Texans was more important. His return sparked energy and confidence in the entire team, as stated after the game by Tyrann Mathieu, Patrick Mahomes, and Coach Andy Reid. At the time, the Chiefs were down by 24, and after the return, they went on a 41-0 run, which is almost unheard of in football. While Hardman has made wild touchdown catches of 80+ yards, a 104 yard return TD, and a game changing momentum swing return, he is surely in for a better year next year with more experience under his belt. With the possible departure of Sammy Watkins after this season, he could be in position next year as the number 2 or 3 receiver behind only Tyreek Hill and possibly Demarcus Robinson.