Kansas City Chiefs: Who is new Chiefs receiver Mecole Hardman?

By John McCarty | May 2, 2019

Mecole Hardman #4 of the Georgia Bulldogs (now Kansas City Chiefs) (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

The Kansas City Chiefs’ top selection is Mecole Hardman, a speedy wide receiver from Georgia. Marc Weiszer covered Hardman while he played at Georgia and sheds some insight into the new Chiefs receiver.

With uncertainty surrounding wide receiver number ten, the Kansas City Chiefs traded up in the 2019 NFL Draft to select the dynamic and speedy Mecole Hardman.

After spending his first season at Georgia as a backup cornerback, Hardman spent the past two seasons playing wide receiver. Raw but electric, Hardman has the potential to be a big play receiver and returner for the Chiefs in 2019.

Marc Weiszer covers University of Georgia athletics for the Athens Banner-Herald and provides some insight into what the Chiefs are getting with this speedy receiver. To stay up to date with Georgia sports, you can follow Marc on Twitter @marcweiszer.

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Was Mecole Hardman’s draft declaration expected?

Not exactly. Georgia underclassmen that weren’t sure-fire first rounders haven’t made the jump as often in recent years as some other programs, but this year that changed with a program-record four going. Being taken in the second round made it look like a good choice .

What does Mecole Hardman do best?

Make plays in the open field. Whether as a returner on punts or kickoffs or outracing defenders downfield in the passing game, his 4.33 40-yard speed is a valuable commodity. Georgia used him on running plays as well on jet sweeps or direct snaps. He had two rushing touchdowns as a junior.

Conversely, where does Hardman need to get better?

He’s had moments where he’s been inconsistent as a pass catcher and also had some muffs fielding punts. He could become even more dangerous as a punt returner by turning more of the big gainers into touchdowns.

Is there a specific passing route/routes that he would run most often?

He was probably best when allowed to use his speed to get by defenders. He only played receiver for two years as a sophomore and junior so he’s bound to get only better with continued coaching.

Would you describe Hardman as possessing good hands?

He’s certainly gotten better from when he moved over from the defense in 2017. He was a reserve cornerback as a freshman and played quarterback in high school.

Is there a trait/traits the UGA program looks for in a receiver?

Because Georgia leans heavily on the run game with the likes of Nick Chubb, Sony Michel and D’Andre Swift in recent years, blocking on the perimeter is a heavy emphasis. Georgia’s receivers don’t put up gaudy numbers. Riley Ridley led the team with 44 catches for 50 yards, but Hardman, Ridley and Terry Godwin gave the program three wide receivers drafted over the weekend.

Is Hardman a leader?

He certainly would have been viewed that way if he stuck around for his senior season, but others probably filled that role more than he did. He was certainly well-respected around the program and by the media.

How would you describe Hardman the player?

Electric. Starting from being the first guy to run out of the locker room pregame as the team hit the field to knowing he has a chance to make a big play pretty much whenever he touches the ball. He’s the kind of player coaches find ways to get touches.

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How would you describe Hardman the person?

He’s engaging in interviews and gives more than just clichés. Georgia has had its share of players get in trouble off the field, but Hardman hasn’t been one of those guys. He’s pretty upbeat, offers a ready smile and seems to take losses hard. He said after the SEC championship game loss when asked if the team wouldn’t be up for a non-playoff bowl: “Somebody’s got to feel us.” It didn’t turn out that way when Texas beat a flat Bulldogs team.

My Thoughts:

Mecole Hardman is an intriguing and interesting prospect. Fans should not expect him to come in and replace wide receiver number ten, but understand he can do some really explosive and dynamic things with the football in his hands.

Hardman reminds me more of a T.Y. Hilton of the Colts than a number ten or Albert Wilson or Tedd Ginn.

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With depth concerns at the receiver position going forward, regardless of the events of the past week, the Chiefs were likely to take a receiver earlier perhaps than had been expected. Hardman fits the bill as a receiver that can get down the field in a hurry.

I’m a fan of the pick, but hopefully the Chief know that they will need to add a receiver early in the next draft as well.

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