Kansas City Chiefs expect Mecole Hardman to stretch the field even more
By Matt Conner
The Kansas City Chiefs already task an opponent with defending so much space, but Mecole Hardman’s presence is only going to make it that much harder.
Preparing for an offense commandeered by Andy Reid is already a nightmare for opposing defenses. Coordinators around the NFL had an impossible time stopping the Kansas City Chiefs for the most part in 2018, a task made difficult by the all-world talents of Patrick Mahomes at quarterback and Reid’s scheme which stretches the field both vertically and horizontally.
The Chiefs are hoping their top rookie import of 2019 can only enhance that streak and help build an offense that can finally take the team to their first Super Bowl since 1970. Mecole Hardman, the team’s selection in the second round at No. 56 overall, is a blazing-fast receiver from Georgia who wasn’t fully utilized in the Bulldogs’ run-heavy offense. However, the early returns on Hardman in Chiefs offseason training activities is that he’s everything the team hoped he would be—and more.
The Chiefs have already noted Hardman’s intelligence and eagerness to learn in media sessions, and their latest practice sessions in OTAs make it clear his physical gifts are also top-notch. The Chiefs could already stretch the field with the downfield speed of Tyreek Hill and even Demarcus Robinson, but Hardman offers another sure-handed option for Mahomes who can take the top off of the coverage.
During a media session this week with assistant coaches, special teams coach Dave Toub noted that Hardman is showing the same skills at the pro level that he did in college.
"“Watching him in college you could see the burst and the explosiveness after he catches the ball and separates from quality players. We feel like he can do the same thing here at this level.”"
Wide receiver coach Greg Lewis, in his third season with the Chiefs, v for Hardman and that he’s also responsible to do the work and learn the things that are not natural to him just yet.
"“He’s continuing to develop and he’s extremely fast and he plays that way. That’s what we want. We want a guy that can play fast, take the top off the coverage, get through and make plays down the field. And then it’s my job to develop him as a complete route runner with the underneath stuff. He’s doing a tremendous job. He’s in here early everyday trying to find the ins and outs to help himself become better as a professional football player.”"
Hardman only caught 35 passes last year, but one fifth of those went for touchdowns (7). He turned those catches into 543 receiving yards, good for a 15.5 yards/catch average. While the Chiefs might be without Hill for some time if he’s suspended at all this coming season, the reality is that the presence of both on the field would be impossible to defend.
For now, Hardman is being tasked with learning a lot in the hopes of being ready for Week 1. The Chiefs could be without Hill which could create serious holes at returner and on offense, so Hardman’s readiness will come in handy. Even when Hill is back, the idea of the pair alongside Sammy Watkins and Travis Kelce creates a fantasy team of sorts for the Chiefs offense.
It will be interesting to see Hardman’s speed at work in the preseason and just how ready he is when Week 1 rolls around. It’s hard for many rookie receivers to make much of an impact, but Reid and his staff seem intent on making something early out of Hardman.