Expect a Pro-Bowl Caliber Season from Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman in 2021

The Kansas City Chiefs selected speedster Mecole Hardman with the 56th overall pick in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. In just two seasons, the Georgia product has made a noticeable impact on offense and special teams, even making the Pro Bowl his rookie year as a returner. Though he hasn’t put up phenomenal receiving numbers and has largely been overshadowed by star WR Tyreek Hill, Hardman seems primed to have a breakout season in 2021 playing alongside Patrick Mahomes that could get him back to the Pro Bowl.

MECOLE! What an adjustment...he's IN! @MecoleHardman4

📺: #KCvsAZ on ESPN
📱: https://t.co/qZPmSzZhMr pic.twitter.com/Sfeckk8MMt
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INTERESTING FACTS

Most REC TD of 30+ YDS since 2019: 1. Tyreek Hill (10), 2. A.J. Brown (8), 3. Hardman (7)
Most YDS/REC since 2019: 1. Kenny Golladay (17.98), 2. Brown (17.43), 3. Hardman (16.39)
1st rookie with a 100+ YD kick return TD and an 80+ YD REC TD in a single season in NFL history

MAIN TAKEAWAY

EXPECT A PRO-BOWL CALIBER SEASON FROM CHIEFS WR MECOLE HARDMAN IN 2021

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In the NFL, many rookies get their starts on special teams while they continue to develop at their respective positions. Mecole Hardman took full advantage of this opportunity with the Chiefs, earning a Pro Bowl nod as a rookie returner in 2019. Despite this recognized success, however, he has not quite proven himself yet as a high-quality receiver. He hasn’t eclipsed 600 receiving yards in a season and has been largely inconsistent on a game-to-game basis, which can be frustrating for fantasy owners.

2021 looks to be different for the speedster from Georgia. Hardman looked much improved during his first preseason action against the Arizona Cardinals on Friday, making an impressive adjustment on a difficult TD grab. The Chiefs receiving room is also less crowded due to the departure of Sammy Watkins, and there doesn’t appear to be a clear-cut WR2 behind Tyreek Hill. Hardman should be ready to fill this void with the best QB in the NFL throwing him the ball, taking advantage of his No. 1 asset: speed.

BEST HIGHLIGHTS

Hardman with an impressive grab for the TD

MECOLE! What an adjustment...he's IN! @MecoleHardman4

📺: #KCvsAZ on ESPN
📱: https://t.co/qZPmSzZhMr pic.twitter.com/Sfeckk8MMt
— NFL (@NFL) August 21, 2021