Kansas City Chiefs: Predictions for 2019 draft class
The 2019 NFL Draft saw the Kansas City Chiefs draft six guys. For the second year in a row, Brett Veach had no first round pick, so day one was just a wait and see for Chiefs fans. How will those players do in year one as pros?
In reality you can look as those picks being used on Patrick Mahomes and recently acquired defensive end Frank Clark. Not having that first round pick doesn’t seem nearly as bad seeing those two names show up as replacements for the Kansas City Chiefs.
In the 2019 draft we saw the Chiefs bring in three offensive players and three defensive players. All six are capable of making noise on this team through the new season. Here we take a look at what some of the numbers could be for these players and how they may contribute to the team this season.
MECOLE HARDMAN, WR (R2:P56)
Mecole Hardman was the first player the Chiefs selected in the 2019 NFL Draft. This selection was a shock to most, but seemed to have a backing to why it happened. At the current time the future of Chiefs star wide receiver was uncertain and Hardman fit in with the same characteristics as Hill. What may have grabbed the eye of the Chiefs GM, Coaches, and Scouts could be his break away speed and athleticism.
Coming out of the University of Georgia, Hardman’s numbers were lower than you would expect coming from a receiver drafted in the second round. During his time in college, he racked up a little over 1,000 total yards on offense with 13 touchdowns over 29 games. Where Hardman’s numbers stood out the most came from special teams where he returned kicks and punts.
Hardman’s return game was where he flourished the most during his college career. Hardman led the SEC (Southeastern Conference) in 2017 & 2018 in punt return yards and was inside the top 10 for the whole NCAA. He was only inside the top 10 for the SEC in kick return yards for both those seasons.
This upcoming season, the Chiefs will give Mecole the Tyreek Hill treatment when it comes to his rookie season. In 2016 Hill had a very stand out year with 61 receptions, 593 receiving yards, six touchdowns and 24 carries, 267 rushing yards, for three touchdowns.
He also put up big numbers in the return game with 592 punt return yards (2TDs) and 384 kick return yards (one touchdown) on 53 total attempts (34 punt, 14 kick). Hardman’s rookie numbers should look somewhere around these lines.
- Receiving: 37 Rec, 445 Yds, 3 TDs
- Rushing: 11 Carr, 102 Yds, 1 TD
- Return: 30 Punt Ret, 285 Yds, 1 TD, 18 Kick Ret, 192 Yds
Hardman’s numbers won’t look as good as good as Hill’s numbers did his rookies season because of the number of weapons on this current roster. He will be utilized most in the return game and will need to prove himself capable of being on the field throughout the season.
Like any other season though, all it takes is an injury or breakout game to see more touches and playing time.