Chiefs’ Mecole Hardman more than just fast? K.C.’s actions this offseason may tell the tale – Kansas City Chiefs Blog

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City Chiefs extensive receiver Mecole Hardman has heard the speak after two NFL seasons: The one factor he has going for him is his 4.33 pace. He made it clear within the week main as much as Tremendous Bowl LV that he is bothered by the recommendations he is one thing lower than an entire receiver.

“I can actually run routes,” Hardman mentioned a number of days earlier than the Chiefs misplaced to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. “That form of makes me mad when individuals say, ‘Oh, he is only a deep ball risk.’ I actually can run routes very nicely. Folks do not actually see it as a result of numerous my routes are down the sector. You have bought Travis [Kelce] and Sammy [Watkins] and Tyreek [Hill] for all that different stuff. They’ll do every little thing throughout the board. I can actually run routes actually [well]. I get out of my breaks very nicely.

“Lots of people [think] I am unable to run routes. I am like, ‘What?’ Folks have the misunderstanding that I am unable to run routes. I am very able to operating each route on the tree.”

The Chiefs have not proven that confidence in Hardman but. He is been a part-time participant because the Chiefs drafted him within the second spherical of the 2019 draft and the explanations for that appeared obvious within the Tremendous Bowl. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw Hardman’s manner six occasions however accomplished simply two passes for 4 yards.

If the Chiefs agree that Hardman is extra well-rounded and never only a risk on deep throws, jet sweeps and finish arounds, it might quickly be time for them to show it. Watkins and Demarcus Robinson, who had been second and third behind Tyreek Hill in 2020 amongst Chiefs extensive receivers in snaps performed, are potential unrestricted free brokers.

Hardman can be the primary in line to assert their enjoying time. The Chiefs drafted him to be an eventual starter. It appears clear that if the Chiefs with a good wage cap scenario re-sign Watkins or Robinson or discover their replacements elsewhere, they do not agree with Hardman in his evaluation that he is able to be an every-down receiver.

Hardman has introduced worth to the Chiefs. In two seasons, he has eight landing catches of no less than 20 yards, which is tied for second within the league regardless of his restricted enjoying time. He has been their major punt returner and regardless of some fumbling issues helped the Chiefs there as nicely.

“These kinds of issues preserve a protection trustworthy,” Hardman mentioned of the performs like jet sweeps and finish arounds that the Chiefs favor for him. “At any time when I can get to the sting, I believe I’ve bought a fairly good really feel of discovering my manner via the holes and getting down the sector. I believe [coach Andy Reid] is aware of that and tries to make use of his finest performs of getting me the ball out in open house and making issues work.”

On one of many Tremendous Bowl incompletions, the Chiefs misplaced an enormous play when Hardman broke off his route early. On one other, he didn’t cease his route when the ball got here his manner, nearly leading to an interception.

Mahomes appeared pissed off with Hardman. He mentioned after the sport that every now and then “the receivers had been operating routes to not the place I believed they had been going to be,” and although he did not title any particular participant, it appears apparent he was referring to Hardman.

The Chiefs could determine they should re-sign Watkins. They labored laborious final yr regardless of a good wage cap scenario to barter a decreased contract with Watkins. That was maybe a mirrored image on what they considered Hardman.

Common supervisor Brett Veach indicated the Chiefs want to work one thing out with Watkins once more.

“Sammy is an enormous a part of this offense and when he is wholesome, we’re higher,” common supervisor Brett Veach mentioned. “If there is a manner we are able to make it work once more, we’ll actually attempt to do this. Love having him round.”

If the Chiefs re-sign Watkins, it seemingly means one other season for Hardman as a down-the-line receiving choice, behind Hill, Kelce, Watkins and maybe others.

“We have positively bought numerous firepower, for positive,” Hardman mentioned. “My position? The kind of man to take benefit when the chance presents itself. I’ve bought all of the instruments to do numerous issues, which I believe all people is aware of.

“I do not need to say [the opposing defense] forgets about me however it’s like when there’s a lot consideration on different sure different individuals, I is perhaps one-on-one or I’ve bought a jet sweep and so they’re not respecting it. Making that massive play in a sport to change momentum or preserve momentum going, I believe that is my form of X-factor second in a sport.”