He's a smart kid, and we've given him quite a few things to do.” So we were able to accelerate Tyreek and get him going fast just because he's so smart, and it's same way with Mecole. “Both of them are real smart kids, though. “Well, played the position more than what Hill… Hill came in as more of a running back slash wide receiver, so the fact that this kid was purely a wide receiver ,” Reid said, per ESPN's Adam Teicher. Not only because it would be remiss to expect the young receiver to reach the esteemed level of play of the Kansas City Chiefs superstar, but also because Hardman, fast as he is, doesn't quite scoot with the truly unsurpassed speed of Hill.Īndy Reid understands all that better than anyone, but couldn't stop himself from comparing Hardman and Hill as rookies when asked on Monday. Defenses focusing on Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce will lead to many favorable matchups for Hardman and his 4.3 speed this season, which can lead to big plays, and ultimately a breakout year for the Georgia product.Mecole Hardman almost certainly isn't the second coming of Tyreek Hill. If Hardman is able to become a dependable option for Mahomes and Kansas City’s offense, the sky is the limit in terms of his production. We’ve always seen the speed - the way he’s able to make plays happen - but him being so comfortable with the offense and with just how we do things, I think it’s going to take his game to a new level.” “The maturity - of how he practices, of how he goes about his business - is completely different. “With Mecole, I don’t know the best way ,” Mahomes said, per Arrowhead Pride’s Pete Sweeney. Hardman’s evolved mindset has been recognized by his teammates, like Kansas City’s starting quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. Here’s a look at Hardman’s route running during a 1-on-1 situation:Īnother day, another Mecole Hardman TD /rahpWmp8ZD To get an idea of where Hardman’s at heading into the 2021 season, let’s look at some of his clips from training camp. The whole thing, I want to get better at every aspect, so when that time comes, there’s no questions.” Routes are pretty good right now I think I’m doing good on my routes, catching the ball. “Getting off the line, getting off the jam, using my hands more. ”Just being an overall receiver,” Hardman said. But what exactly has Hardman been focusing on? In order to have a breakout season, Hardman needs to improve his game a bit, which will lead to an increase in snaps and ultimately more opportunities to get the football in his hands. So that’s how I look at it and I’ve just got to take that approach every day going into camp and every game.” “So I think the mindset has just shifted a little bit to being that guy that can be out there every play rather than just when your number’s called, do what you need to do.
So I think the mindset has shifted to, I need to be that guy to be on the field at all times that they can count on - whether it’s third down, fourth down, whatever it is.
“But now you come in this year, it’s more so like you can be that guy - you can go in there and be on the field every play, and you can do this and you can do that.
“I wanted to come in and still do what I want to do and when I’m called on to perform at a high level,” Hardman said during his Monday press conference. Still, there are a lot of eyes on the third-year wideout, who has a chance for an expanded role now that Sammy Watkins is no longer in town.Īnd by the sound of it, Hardman is ready to rise to the occasion.ĪLL the latest Chiefs news straight to your inbox! Join the Heavy on Chiefs newsletter here!
Those aren’t stats that will impress anyone, especially considering how potent Kansas City’s offense has been during Hardman’s tenure with the team. Through two seasons, he has accumulated 67 receptions for 1,098 yards and 10 touchdowns. Hardman was selected in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Chiefs. Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman enters his third NFL season in 2021.Īmong the potential breakout players of the 2021 NFL season is Kansas City Chiefs’ third-year wideout, Mecole Hardman.
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