Hard work paying off for this Chiefs rookie wide receiver, not to mention the offense
It would be hard to argue that any player on the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense does more with less than rookie wide receiver Mecole Hardman.
Of his six touchdowns this season, three have come when Hardman played 18 or fewer snaps in a game on offense. He even scored one of his six touchdowns — tied for the NFL lead among rookie wideouts — on just nine snaps in Week 8.
Notable production on limited playing time, for sure, but Denver Broncos coach Vic Fangio isn’t surprised by what Hardman has accomplished this season.
“It’s been impressive, but not surprising,” Fangio said Wednesday during a teleconference with Chiefs beat reporters. “He was a guy we really liked in the draft, and if different scenarios (had worked out), then we would’ve got him.”
Luckily for the Chiefs, the Broncos didn’t get the opportunity to select the speedy 5-foot-10, 187-pound Hardman, who posted a blistering 4.33 time in the 40-yard dash at the annual NFL Scouting Combine.
When combining Hardman onfield with the explosive Tyreek Hill, the Chiefs have two of the top downfield threats in the NFL.
“Those guys are extremely, extremely fast,” Fangio said. “It almost looks sometimes when you’re watching the tape like it’s on fast-forward. They get down the field faster than any two guys in the league.”
Hardman, a second-round pick out of Georgia, has put his speed to good use in the Chiefs’ offense. He enters Week 15’s game against the Broncos with 24 catches for 498 yards and those six touchdowns on just 38 targets. He’s tied with Hill, Fred Arbanas and Stephone Paige for the most receiving touchdowns during a Chiefs player’s rookie campaign.
The Chiefs also utilize Hardman as a returner on special teams, where he has 138 yards on 11 touches as a punt returner and 510 yards on 22 kickoff opportunities.
“Every week, he’s improved,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said.
Reid said it’s sometimes difficult to gauge what a rookie brings to the table. So many dynamics are in play, including a guy’s ability to pick up the scheme, his work ethic and rapport with the quarterback — in this case, reigning league MVP Patrick Mahomes — and other teammates.
So far, so good for Hardman, who continues to absorb knowledge and develop as a pro.
“He’s surrounded by some pretty good players, but you kind of check the ego at the door. And he’s learned and he’s worked,” Reid said. “I think he’s learned that part, just how hard you have to work here to where you get time to play. ...
“(H)e’s worked his tail off to be able to as productive as he is, and the quarterback trusts him. If the quarterback doesn’t like you, you’re not going to get the ball. It’s pretty simple.”
For now, Hardman sits behind Hill, Sammy Watkins and Demarcus Robinson in the Chiefs’ receivers rotation. But with his 20.8 yards-per-catch average and 13.1 yards gained per target — both team highs — it’s clear Hardman has gained Mahomes’ faith when it comes time to make a big play.
Look no further than Sunday’s 23-16 win over the New England Patriots. Hardman had one catch on just 14 offensive snaps, but he made the most of it by turning that reception into a 48-yard touchdown.
And while more playing time should eventually come, Hardman is perfectly fine with giving the Chiefs’ offense more bang for its buck whenever his number is called.
“It always feels different when you hit a big play,” Hardman said Sunday. “It gives us a lot of momentum too, even for the defense and the special teams, so it’s always good.”
This story was originally published December 12, 2019 at 5:00 AM.
