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Every NFL team’s most underrated offensive weapon entering 2020

By Dan Ambrosino

MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 02: Mecole Hardman #17 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium on February 02, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 02: Mecole Hardman #17 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium on February 02, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
(Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

Kansas City Chiefs: Mecole Hardman

While many NFL fans know Mecole Hardman, I cannot overstate how underrated he is right now. Many are clamoring for the Kansas City Chiefs to add to their already impressive arsenal of weapons, which is understandable given Demarcus Robinson is likely to part in free agency and Sammy Watkins may sit out next year. Yet, the Chiefs already have their No. 2 receiver on the roster.

Hardman was the fifth receiver taken in the 2019 NFL draft. The Chiefs selected him because Tyreek Hill was being investigated by the league and potentially up for suspension, so they chose the player that could most likely replicate his skillset. Hardman fit the bill, as he ran a 4.33 at the combine and had a 15.6 YPR average in college.

While Hardman didn’t get much opportunity in 2019, seeing only a 43 percent snap share and 41 targets, he made the most of it. Hardman caught 26 of his 41 targets for 538 yards and six touchdowns, averaging the highest yards per reception in the league. When Patrick Mahomes targeted Hardman, he had a rating of 146.6 (out of 158.3), which was the highest mark for any quarterback/receiver duo.

Hardman has the breakaway speed and run after the catch ability to easily separate from any defender. With the creativity of Andy Reid and Eric Bieniemy behind him, Hardman could easily break 1,000 yards receiving next year and become a household name.

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