Ever since he was drafted in the second round (56th overall) in 2019, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman has been living in Tyreek Hill’s shadow. In the eyes of many, the former Georgia wideout was taken simply because the Chiefs weren’t sure that Hill — then embroiled in an off-the-field situation that would ultimately be resolved — would ever play another down with the team.
But Hill stayed another three seasons in Kansas City, remaining a vital cog in the Chiefs’ offensive machine. Meanwhile, Hardman had to make do with the targets still available after Hill and tight end Travis Kelce came through the line in quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ game-day buffet.