The Kansas City Chiefs have made their first selection in the 2019 NFL Draft with the announcement of Mecole Hardman in the second round.
The Kansas City Chiefs have made their first pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, one of seven selections coming into the weekend, with the announced selection of Mecole Hardman, a wide receiver out of Georgia, in the second round.
The Chiefs traded up six picks in the second round to No. 56 overall with the Los Angeles Rams to be able to take Hardman. In return they gave up the No. 61 overall pick and No. 167 overall.
Hardman is one of the single fastest players in the draft and gives the Chiefs some security in the likelihood that the indefinite suspension of Tyreek Hill turns into a long-term phase or even his release. Hardman is the draft’s best overall returner and comes with 4.33 second speed in the 40-yard dash.
Hardman will team with Sammy Watkins to give the Chiefs their primary options at wideout while the Chiefs deal with Hill and the ongoing investigation there into claims of child abuse. Others at the position include Demarcus Robinson, Marcus Kemp, Byron Pringle, Sammie Coates. Given the names mentioned above, it wouldn’t surprise anyone to see the Chiefs dip into the draft for another receiver at some point—or sign a free agent.
Hardman had 35 catches for 543 yards and 7 touchdowns last season for Georgia. He helps replace another wideout from Georgia in Chris Conley, who left the Chiefs this offseason to sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency.