Mecole Hardman, WR, Georgia #4

5102, 184, 4.38

Notes: From Bowman, GA. Appeared in 11 games, mostly on special teams, in 2016. Played in 15 games, making 1 start, caught 25 passes for 418 yards (16.7 avg.) and 4 touchdowns, including an 80-yard long, rushed 8 times for 61 yards and 2 TDs, averaged 25.3 on 20 kickoff returns and 11.8 on 23 punt returns in 2017. Started 5 of 14 games, caught 34-532-7 (15.6 avg.), rushed 5-36, averaged 25.2 on 14 kickoff returns and 20.1 on 16 punt returns including a 70-yard touchdown in 2018.

Positives: Fantastic athlete. Legitimate home run deep threat. Explosive return man, on both punts and kickoffs, and a threat to score every time he touches the football. Pulls away from defenders and pulls away from pursuit. Creates separation from defenders on pass routes and virtually demands a cushion. Can turn a short flip into a long gain. Has terrific vision and outstanding cutback ability, burst, acceleration and speed. Makes people miss in the open field. So quick and slippery that he seldom takes a direct shot. Good hands. Natural pass catcher. Very effective on the jet sweep or handoffs. Tough and competitive.

Negatives: On the small side with average bulk and strength. Some concerns about durability, but has been mostly injury free. Needs refinement on his pass routes and overall technique.

Summary: Smallish, but provides big-play impact in the passing and return game.