2019 NFL Draft: Detroit Lions 7-round 2019 mock draft 1.0
By Zac Snyder
Like the previous pick, Mecole Hardman is a relatively inexperienced pass catcher, but brings a physical skill set that should interest the Lions. Hardman made the transition to receiver after heading to the University of Georgia as a defensive back and is all about speed, posting a blazing 40-yard dash time of 4.33 seconds at the 2019 NFL Combine.
Limited experience at receiver means Hardman is not the most polished route runner or particularly adept at making difficult and contested catches, but those are things that can develop as he becomes more comfortable at the position.
It remains to be seen exactly how the Lions offense takes shape under Darrell Bevell but the thought of him using play action and rollouts to get the ball into a player like Hardman’s hands in space is a tantalizing thought.
Kenny Golladay is the only receiver on the roster that looks like a real long-term option for the Lions. Danny Amendola was signed to just a one-year deal and Marvin Jones has two years remaining on his current contract that will take him into his 30s. Wide reciever isn’t the biggest “now” need, but the Lions would be wise to start looking for a better foundation for the future, particularly with the potential of a big payday for Golladay as soon as next offseason.
Hardman could also get his feet wet in the NFL contributing on special teams as a gunner or return man. That sets up a nice “worst-case scenario” for his ability to contribute as a rookie.