The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Hardman provides quick return on investment
Ex-Bulldogs star has used his speed to help offense, special teams.
MIAMI — Kansas City wide receiver/ returner Mecole Hardman turned in a fine rookie season on his way to Super Bowl LIV.
“I always dreamed about coming into the NFL,” said Hardman, who played at Georgia, on Monday. “When you have that dream come true and you reach Super Bowl, you want to win it.”
Hardman caught 26 of 41 passes thrown his way for 538 yards and six touchdowns. He returned 18 punts for 167 yards and 27 kickoffs for 704 yards, including a 104-yard touchdown.
Hardman was named to the Pro Football Writers of America’s All-Rookie team as the kickoff returner.
“Speed, that’s first and foremost,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said of Hardman. “But one thing about Mecole is that’s really unique. Depending on who you draft, where you draft and where they are from, you never really know.”
Hardman fit in quickly with the Chiefs.
“You know you are getting a skill set, but you never really know if it will transfer to the pros,” Veach said. “But from day one, Mecole stepped on the field with a lot of confidence. He knows that he belongs.”
The Chiefs selected Hardman in the second round (56th overall) when they weren’t sure if wide receiver Tyreek Hill would be suspended over a domestic situation.
“You are always wondering,” Veach said. “He’s coming in here. He’s a fast guy from Georgia. But he’s going to be with Tyreek Hill, Sammy Watkins and Demarcus Robinson.
“From the first day of OTAs and training camp he was talking trash with those guys and mixing it up. He’s a guy that doesn’t lack for confidence. I think it shows in his play.”