9. Mecole Hardman
Mecole Hardman was drafted to a team with a very crowded offense. Surrounded by Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill, Sammy Watkins and Demarcus Robinson, some wondered how much time he’d see on the field on offense and if he’d be able to contribute. It did not take Hardman long to get involved.
In Week 2 at Oakland, Hardman had four catches for 61 yards and a touchdown. He caught a second touchdown in the game, which was called back due to a holding call. One week later, Hardman showed off his skills again, catching just two passes, one of them coming on an 83-yard catch-and-run play.
Hardman was second on the team in touchdown catches with six, just one behind Hill’s seven.
Hardman shined on special teams as a kick returner, amassing 704 yards, the third most in the NFL, and a touchdown as a rookie. Hardman had a key kick return in the playoffs against Houston and Tennessee, helping the Chiefs start a rally after slow starts in those two games.
His 83-yard touchdown catch was the longest reception of the season and the second biggest offensive play of the year. Hardman’s 104-yard kick return touchdown was the longest play of the entire season for the team, as well as the longest kick return of the 2019 NFL season.
Hardman proved to be one of the best returners in the game and has a lot of potential on offense. Expect Hardman to get more snaps on offense and better numbers in 2020.