Mecole Hardman can thrive but needs consistency for KC Chiefs

Wide receiver Mecole Hardman just had one of his most productive games since being drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2019. In Saturday’s 28-24 win over the Denver Broncos, Hardman caught eight passes for a single-game career best 103 yards. It’s Hardman’s second time in his career getting 100 yards of total offense.

Hardman has the skill set every coach wants and every quarterback needs. Hardman fits Andy Reid’s offense and has the ability to thrive. The problem is, he has been inconsistent.

With Tyreek Hill’s future uncertain at the time of the 2019 NFL Draft, the Chiefs drafted Hardman in the second round, who was the team’s first pick of that draft. After Hill suffered an ankle injury in Week 1 of the 2019 season and missed the following four games, Hardman saw more opportunities early on as a rookie.

Mecole Hardman can be a dangerous weapon for the Chiefs offense with his skillset. But he must be consistent to showcase that.

Hardman caught a touchdown pass in Weeks 2 and 3 with Hill absent. Even after Hill’s return, Hardman was putting up big numbers, but with limited opportunities. Despite pulling in just 26 catches, Hardman averaged 20.7 yards per reception and caught six passes as rookie while making the Pro Bowl as a return specialist.

However, Hardman’s production went down after his rookie campaign.

In 2020, Hardman recorded 15 more receptions, but only 22 more receiving yards. He finished his second season with two fewer touchdowns and his average dropped to 13.7 yards per catch. 2021 was Hardman’s best year statistically. He finished the year with 59 catches for 693 yards, but just two touchdowns. However, his average dropped again, this time averaging 11.7 yards per catch.

Although Hardman has done some damage to opposing defenses, he has also been a liability at times with fumbles and drops. The AFC Championship game in January of 2021 was a perfect representation of Hardman’s career thus far. Hardman fumbled a punt return in the first quarter, allowing the Bills to recover inside the 5-yard line and scoring shortly afterwards to take a 9-0 lead and was visibly upset on the sidelines.

Hardman redeemed himself on the following drive when he caught a touchdown pass to put the Chiefs on the scoreboard. On the following drive, he got the ball on an end around and ran 50 yards. The Chiefs scored a touchdown to take the lead and went on to win the AFC Championship game.

Hill suffered a heel injury during Saturday’s pregame warmups and was limited against the Broncos, which allowed Hardman to contribute in a bigger manner. He earned his first career 100-yard receiving game while logging the second most catches he’s ever had in a game.

Hardman has had very few games like the one on Saturday against the Broncos. He is capable of being a good No. 2 wide receiver and even a solid No. 1 when he needs to fill in for Hill. If he can be more consistent, it bodes well for Kansas City’s offense, which already has Travis Kelce, who is easily the best tight end in the NFL today. A consistent boost from Hardman only makes this dynamic offense even scarier for opposing defenses.