Bulldogs in The NFL: Mecole Hardman Having Breakout Rookie Season for Chiefs

Mecole Hardman is having a breakout rookie season for the Kansas City Chiefs and currently leads the league in several statistical categories.

Mecole Hardman was once a high school quarterback at Elbert County high school just east of the Classic City and was rated as the #1 overall Athlete in the 2016 class. 

After playing in just four games as a true freshman, Hardman had 60 receptions in his last two seasons in Athens and racked up 961 yards and 13 total TDs. Hardman was, and is, known for his explosive nature with the ball in his hands. 

He averaged 16.0 YPC, with 18.33% of his career receptions being Touchdowns. 

Hardman then followed up a solid three-year career at Georgia with a head-turning NFL Combine this past spring, running a 4.33 forty. In April, Hardman was selected with the 24th pick in the 2nd round by the Kansas City Chiefs. 

Now, just ten games into his professional career, Hardman is to leave defenders in his wake, scoring on three touchdowns of 40 yards or more, including an 83-yard touchdown reception against the Ravens. 

Hardman currently leads the all NFL rookies in three statistical categories: 

Lead the way, @MecoleHardman4 🏃‍♂️🙌 pic.twitter.com/58gLz2GGt1

— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) November 13, 2019

Mecole Hardman played with elite quarterbacks during his days at Georgia, catching passes from Jacob Eason and Jake Fromm. Though, playing with Patrick Mahomes under the tutelage of Andy Reid is certainly another animal. 

Mecole Hardman is averaging 20.80 yards per reception for his 21 catches on the season.
Also, 5 of his 21 receptions have been touchdowns 🤭pic.twitter.com/GmnQU9sFHv

— 𝕃𝕠𝕣𝕕ℂ𝕙𝕚𝕖𝕗ℝ𝕠𝕔𝕜𝕒 (@JordanTribe) November 11, 2019

Hardman would run away from defenders at the college level, and you always hear that the NFL game is that much faster. Watching him play on Sunday's, you almost have to wonder if that ole cliche is false, or if Mecole Hardman has found another gear. 

That's one of the best secondaries in all of football, that have the angle on him, and he simply runs right in between them for a touchdown on 3rd and nine. 

Hardman is currently +4000 to win the Rookie of the Year award. So, it's a bit of a longshot, but who's to say he can't have a few more huge days.