Kansas City Chiefs: 3 players primed for a breakthrough season in 2021

Can Mecole Hardman step up and be a dynamic playmaker for the Kansas City Chiefs?

It seems weird to say that the Kansas City Chiefs need another solid receiving threat given the dominance of tight end Travis Kelce and the absurd athleticism of Tyreek Hill, but good offenses can never have enough good pass catchers.

That’s where Mecole Hardman will hopefully step in alongside Kelce and Hill for the Kansas City Chiefs this season.

Hardman, a 5-10, 187 pound wide receiver, is entering into his third year with Kansas City in 2021 and this is a year in which he could really help the Chiefs. Kansas City recently moved on from Sammy Watkins as he took his talents on to Baltimore.

Hardman will now have the chance to take things over as defenses are forced to focus on Kelce, Hill, and running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

The Bowman, Georgia native never really lit things up in college, but he did show his potential on multiple occasions.

While with the Georgia Bulldogs, Hardman helped UGA make it to the national championship game in 2017. In total, during his time in Athens, Hardman caught 60 passes for 961 yards and 11 touchdowns, though UGA hardly aired the ball out while he was there.

Hardman has shown that same sort of potential at times with Kansas City. So far during his time with the Chiefs, Hardman has caught 67 passes during the regular season for 1,098 yards and 10 touchdowns. In six playoff games, Hardman has 12 receptions for 95 yards and one score.

Kansas City could certainly benefit from Hardman consistently playing up to his potential this year. The Chiefs have seen flashes of brilliance from the young receiver and could make a breakthrough in his third season in the NFL. Here’s to hoping that happens.