Hardman provided Chiefs with a spark on way to Super Bowl

Hardman was named to the Pro Football Writers of America’s All-Rookie team as the kickoff returner.

“Speed, that’s first and foremost,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said of Hardman. “But one thing about Mecole is that’s really unique. Depending on who you draft, where you draft and where they are from, you never really know.”

Hardman fit in quickly with the Chiefs.

“You know you are getting a skill set, but you never really know if it will transfer to the pros,” Veach said. “But from day one, Mecole stepped on the field with a lot of confidence. He knows that he belongs.”

The Chiefs selected Hardman in the second round (56th overall) when they weren’t sure if wide receiver Tyreek Hill would be suspended over a domestic situation.

“You are always wondering,” Veach said. “He’s coming in here. He’s a fast guy from Georgia. But he’s going to be with Tyreek Hill, Sammy Watkins and DeMarcus Robinson.

“From the first day of OTAs and training camp he was talking trash with those guys and mixing it up. He’s a guy that doesn’t lack for confidence. I think it shows in his play.”