what are your thoughts on this WIDE RECIEVER

[steelmann58]

Mecole Hardman The WR from Georgia . I think he can be that speed wr that the steelers could use.

[Legacy User]

Mecole Hardman The WR from Georgia . I think he can be that speed wr that the steelers could use.

Serious first name concerns
Questionable wrist circumference
Less than ideal frame
Fares poorly w contested catches
Limited catch radius

[bradshaw2ben]

Hands catcher away from body
Incredible, class best YAC
Best returner in college football and maybe the best bubble screen guy

[Lynch]

Mecole Hardman The WR from Georgia . I think he can be that speed wr that the steelers could use.

Serious first name concerns
Questionable wrist circumference
Less than ideal frame
Fares poorly w contested catches
Limited catch radius

I've been wondering if there's any correlation with these thugish first names and fast 40 times of say, < 4.5 seconds? If the wisdom of RON is delved into deeper, one might find that some of these strange named fellows were working on their forty times from a very young age by sprinting out of their local corner stores on a regular basis.

[Legacy User]

Hands catcher away from body
Incredible, class best YAC
Best returner in college football and maybe the best bubble screen guy

Sounds like he ends up on Patriots

[tbsteel]

Love this guy. Would be a great fit.

[meanjustinbarlow]

I might get called a heretic for this, but I think this kid is a safer bet as a home run threat than Hollywood Brown.

This is a Desean Jackson type of player. But the challenge with that is he is going to have to learn how to beat the press.

He fills a key need though. I am tempted to suggest another big bodies guy, like a David Sills, but Hardman’s long speed is probably a bigger need.

[Lynch]

I think so too. Hopefully he's there in the fourth.

[AirRescueFF]

Hands catcher away from body
Incredible, class best YAC
Best returner in college football and maybe the best bubble screen guy

Sounds like he ends up on Patriots

Visiting them.

[Scunge]

I honestly don't see how he gets out of the 2nd round.

If he is there at our early 3rd round pick, you have to take him.

The people, scouts, etc, that bring up him having trouble with press coverage, that is baloney. Forget about his speed for a second, watch him as a gunner, watch him be physical on the outside and easily get by would be blockers and then race down the field to make a tackle. His physicality in doing that shows he has what it takes to play WR and defeat press coverage.

If it were me, I would take him with our 2nd round pick and feel like we got the steal of the draft.

JuJu, Washington and Hardman, those are your 3 starting WRs and you also filled your PR/KR. Brown is easily replaced and forgotten

[bradshaw2ben]

It’s not just PR/KR... he’s the gunner on punt coverage. He helps you in a bunch of ways.

[Scunge]

The way you replace Brown and not miss a beat is by adding to this offense what it is lacking...

...SPEED

Imagine if you draft Hardman in round 2 and then say were able to add a fast RB like a Justice Hill in round 4 or Travis Homer, a RB who can run in the low 4.4s and has that explosive breakaway speed.

If you have two players like that in your offense all of the sudden, defenses have to respect that, it opens things up and it also gives you so many more options in designing plays, building plays one off another.

I have no problem with the Steelers spending a 2nd and 3rd round pick on offense this year, WR, RB and TE are all in play for me. You can still address defense with the 1st, 3rd, and 4th and early 5th round picks.

[AirRescueFF]

Like how KC was.

[Legacy User]

hes ok

[steelmann58]

I would not be upset with him in round 2 or early 3

[Donnie Brasco]

Hands catcher away from body
Incredible, class best YAC
Best returner in college football and maybe the best bubble screen guy

Sounds like he ends up on Patriots

Oh, he plays Lacrosse?

[Quixotic]

Where will he fall in the draft? Certainly not #20. But will he still be there at 52? 66? 83?

Looks like a great player. And still has a lot of upside. Also, he was a well-regarded quarterback coming out of high school. Prolly reasonably bright. And a we’ve done okay with receivers with QB skills. Hines. Randel El. Slash (who, sadly, was a better receiver than he was a quarterback).

And, of course…

FAST.

[Kodiak]

So this guy could give us a real threat at KR/PR, and possibly push DHB off the roster.....not going to happen

[bradshaw2ben]

I think you can get Hardman in late 3 or early 4, which is part of what makes him attractive. Either Hardman or Emanuel Hall is going to make it to Early Round 4.

[FC]

I would not draft Hardman before round 5. He reminds me of a less talented Willie Reid

He may be able to convert to corner in the NFL.

He will never play Wr in the NFL

[Legacy User]

Thoughts on J.J. Arcega-Whiteside?

[bradshaw2ben]

Thoughts on J.J. Arcega-Whiteside?

JuJu Arcega Whiteside?

It depends if you want to have interchangeable parts or diverse weapons. Talented receiver.

[bradshaw2ben]

By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
NFL Comparison
Tyler Lockett
Overview
Raw but explosive with burst to uncover underneath and a second gear to threaten over the top. Hardman is a relative newcomer to the position and it shows up at times in routes and his struggles competing for the ball in traffic. Hardman could develop into a lesser version of Tyreek Hill with his playmaking potential after the catch, on deep balls and as a returner. Speed kills in today's game and Hardman's could be coveted on Day 2 (Rounds 2-3).
Strengths
Only two seasons as receiver and is likely to rapidly develop
Too sudden to press
Rapid turnover when burning down the track
Early burst turns to pull-away speed on vertical routes
Smooth ball-tracker bringing it in over his shoulder
Combines speed/quickness to uncover on all three levels
Bouncy leaper
Wiggle to elude first tackle and speed to house it
Tough runner with ball in his hands.
Explosive punt-return potential, averaging a little over 20 yards per return this year
Offers gunner value on punt cover
Weaknesses
Just two of seven receiving touchdowns against SEC competition
Too reliant upon athletic gifts to get open at this stage
Lacks commitment and urgency on in-breaking routes
Appears to hear footsteps
Inconsistent acceleration out of breaks and cuts routes off short
Makes the easy catches but struggles with contested
Hasn't learned to body defenders and protect the throw
Sources Tell Us

"He can go! He didn't play receiver in high school and came in as a defensive back so we haven't even seen what he's going to be able to do once he learns his position." - AFC wide receivers coach

[bradshaw2ben]

Kelly @ DraftNetwork

Route Running – Hardman ran a mostly limited route tree during his junior season at Georgia, but his traits suggest that he’ll translate into a fuller one in the NFL. His cuts can be flexible and explosive, as he can turn and accelerate at a fast pace. Hardman would show head fakes that got the defensive backs biting, before smooth cuts to separate. His best routes came vertically when he was given a free release, as defensive backs struggled to keep up with his acceleration. Operating a lot out of the slot, Hardman rarely saw any press coverage. When he was contacted in his stems, he struggled to deal with it. Additionally, Hardman could lack awareness when he was crowded at his route breaks, sometimes breaking directly into contact. On certain reps, he can take too long to get his around around to the quarterback.

Athleticism / Speed – Hardman is one of the more explosive athletes at the wide receiver position in the NFL class. Though he’s a bit light, Hardman has a muscular frame that suggests durability won’t be a weakness. He has a rare combination of quickness and speed, and can explode in an instant. Developed on the lateral chain, he can shift his weight at full stride. He should test like an elite athlete in his agility drills at the NFL Combine.

Hands / Ball Skills – Hardman makes a conscious effort to always be catching the ball with his hands. At all angles, he will use his hands to pluck the ball out of the air. While he fails to fully extend back towards the catchpoint, the ball will rarely come into his body. Hardman has suffered from a number of concentration drops, but when he’s able to catch the ball in stride, he transitions into a runner at an elite pace. Running at full speed doesn’t seem to phase him, as he accelerates through the catchpoint with ease.

Body Control – Hardman is in total control of his body and cuts, as his shiftiness adds to his elusiveness. When attacking the catchpoint, he positions his body well and adjusts his angles when tracking the ball.

Ball Carrier – Hardman is a natural ball carrier with a feel for space. His acceleration and burst allows him to pick up yards in an instant. He sees openings well, taking them vertically with his quick movements. On jet sweeps, he knows when to take the alley or bounce further outside. He sets his blockers up before moving laterally, an ode to his feel for the defense. When he sees contact coming, his built up speed can allow him to bring some force as a ball carrier, especially for a smaller athlete.

Stalk Blocking – Hardman is an effort blocker, who does his 1/11th to the best of his ability. When he engages in a block, his feet are moving at a fast pace. Due to his lack of size, he rarely takes on defensive backs head on. Rather, he tries to shield off half of the defender and run his feet to turn them. Added strength in the lower half could open up multiple lanes for the ball carrier.

Versatility – Hardman is one of the more versatile players in the class, as he took reps as a defensive back during his time at Georgia. A talented ball carrier, Hardman was featured as a kick and punt returner. With a ton of production as both, he has potential in that role for an NFL team. He will be used as a versatile slot receiver with 4 down ability at the next level.

BEST TRAIT – Speed / Ball Carrier

WORST TRAIT – Strength

RED FLAGS – N/A

Hardman is one of the most electric weapons in the NFL Draft class. He uses his speed and fluidity to stretch the field from the slot, showing promise on deep balls. Additionally, his ability in space can be utilized in the RPO game. Hardman’s field vision and elusiveness allow him to be one of the best kick and punt return prospects in the NFL Draft. Hardman had just mediocre production, which was likely due to the talent surrounding him on Georgia’s offense. He projects as a better professional receiver than college, an an NFL team may be able to better utilize his ability. After the NFL Combine, I expect Hardman to be considered on Day 2 of the NFL Draft.

[bradshaw2ben]

Kyle Crabbs
Route Running –He is super quick and shows great acceleration out of his stance, he'll tear up turf and has a natural ability to gear down and get into breaks quickly to snap off separation. His tree was largely limited to slot fades, crossers and slants, more route exposure will be valuable.

Hands –Tracks the ball quite well and when he's tasked with catching away from his frame, he brings positive results. He doesn't have the biggest hands and does prefer to trap the ball against his chest trying to bring in throws as he's square to the ball.

Contested Catch Ability –Results here are almost non-existent. He's lacking in catch radius, hand strength and functional strength to wall off defenders and protect his positioning against both man coverage attached to his hip and zone defenders crashing in late to collision and meet the ball.

Run After Catch Ability –Dynamic, although it comes almost strictly from speed and burst. He doesn't have the necessary play strength to run through soft challenges ,yet he did bring a few pinballed reps to absorb blows vs. lazy shoulder tackles in the open field.

Football IQ –An impressive natural athlete, he still has room to grow with the versatility of his tree, his ability to eliminate unnecessary contact and improving how he addresses the football as a means of taking his game to the next level.

Vertical Receiving –He has the pure speed necessary to tear up turf and dust defenders who aren't able to get hands on him quickly at the LOS. Does really well to stack man coverage and leave himself ample space to adjust to the football.

Change of Direction Skills –Super nimble. He can pivot and pinball his way through traffic or around a squatting defender in the secondary with ease. He carries speed through his turns and breaks quite well and will feast against defenders who give him a crease.

Speed –One of the fastest receivers in the entire class. He'll take little to no time at all to get up to his top speed and his ability to eat up turf in the open field thereafter is pretty stunning to see, he'll break pursuit angles all over the field with a bit of a runway.

Competitive Toughness –For all of his effort, he is at the end of the day a smaller receiver who doesn't bring a lot of play strength to his game. He can be uprooted and knocked out of alignment with even the slightest contact balance on his route stems.

Blocking Ability –He's willing, but mostly unable to make a difference in this area of the game. He'll work hard to gain favorable leverage but the moment defenders place their hands on him they're able to press and bubble him and continue to scrape to the ball.

BEST TRAIT – Speed

WORST TRAIT – Functional Strength

BEST FILM – Alabama (2018)

WORST FILM – LSU (2018)

RED FLAGS – None

Mecole Hardman is a dynamic receiving threat who brings great speed to the pro game, his short area quickness and burst are a deadly combination that make him a prominent threat in the right role. Hardman is going to need to live in the slot, where he can have the needed free releases and full 360 degrees of breaks at his disposal. Hardman is a natural ball carrier who can supplement his receiving game with special teams as a primary return player. Will be better pro vs. CFB player.

Round Grade: Fourth Round

[bradshaw2ben]

Marino

Routes - Hardman’s ability to push defenses vertically opens up a world of possibilities with underneath routes given how opponents much respect his long speed. Has not been tasked with running an expansive route tree and worked from the slot, which allowed for clean releases. Must develop more deception and technique to be more consistent at the next level.

Hands - Does well to catch the football with extension outside of his frame. Has his share of struggles hanging on through contact or winning in a crowd. Will occasionally guide the football into his frame but generally greets the ball with proper hand alignment. Drop rate over 10 percent in 2018.

Ball Skills - Features natural ball tracking skills and I love how frequently he accelerates to and through the football. Makes excellent adjustments to the football and can extend in any direction. Body positioning and winning in contested situations is a challenge.

YAC Ability - His tuck and turn is rapid and so is his acceleration, which leads to big chunks of yards after the reception. Would not say he is overly creative but there aren’t many foot races he won’t win.

Release - Explosive out of his stance and he quickly gets to top speed. With that said, he worked primarily from the slot which did not yield opportunities to illustrate his ability to clear press coverage. He is affected by contact throughout his route stems and gets bumped with minimal contact.

Play Speed - A true burner that can take the top off the defense. Does well to stack and separate. Explosive runner with the ball in his hands. Play speed is accentuated by good ball skills and not needing to slow down to catch the football.

Blocking - Has some size/strength restrictions but his effort is exceptional. Collapses and keeps his feet engaged, although he has challenges sustaining blocks. Opponents often appear surprised by how aggressive he can be blocking on the perimeter.

Play Strength - Lacking. When he’s contacted during his route stem or at the catch point, Hardman is too easily bumped off his spot. Competes as a blocker but ultimately lacks the functional strength to consistently win.

Versatility - Explosive athletic ability and ball skills enable him to be a threat to make plays at every level of the field. Dynamic return guy; averaged over 20 yards per punt return in 2018.

BEST TRAIT - Speed

WORST TRAIT - Functional Strength

RED FLAGS - None

Like most of the Georgia offensive skill players, the production doesn’t stand out due to the run-heavy nature of the offense and the other worthy targets in the passing game. What makes Hardman so exciting is that he offers top speed, but he also has excellent ball skills that makes him a legitimate vertical threat that can stretch defenses. Hardman complements his vertical receiving skills with dynamic potential in the return game and creating after the catch. I would like to see Hardman develop a broader route tree to become a more complete receiver, but he profiles as a starting slot receiver in the NFL that can be used in a variety of ways.

Round Grade - Third Round Value

[Jobu]

Appears to hear footsteps

Not good.

[bradshaw2ben]

https://247sports.com/college/georgia/Article/Mecole-Hardman-2019-NFL-Draft-Pittsburgh-Steelers-Georgia-Bulldogs-Football-130783561/
With Antonio Brown now with the Oakland Raiders, the Pittsburgh Steelers could use some help at wide receiver. Over the weekend, former Georgia wide receiver Mecole Hardman was asked if the Steelers could use him and whether he could step in and replace one of the NFL's elite wideouts.

"For sure they can, I can be that guy," Hardman told TMZ Sports.

That would be great news in the Hardman household.

“My daddy was a Pittsburgh Steelers fan," Hardman said. "He had put me on Hines Ward, Troy Polamalu, all those guys. Big Ben [Roethlisberger] was just getting there. I’ve been rocking with the Steeler for a minute. I like watching them play. Since my daddy put them on, I’ve been a Steelers fan.

"He definitely would like it if the Steelers get me for sure."

After three seasons with the Bulldogs, Hardman is excited about the possibility of taking care of his family in Bowman, Ga.

"Really, just changing my parent's life," Hardman said. "This dream, this reality, it comes with a lot. Just dreaming as a kid, you always talk about giving your mom a house or a car. So just trying to give back to my parents, they gave me so much, so trying to re-pay them the fastest way I can."

Per Brad Kelly of The Draft Network, Hardman will be a second or third round pick in this year's draft.

"Hardman is one of the most electric weapons in the NFL Draft class," Kelly wrote. "He uses his speed and fluidity to stretch the field from the slot, showing promise on deep balls. Additionally, his ability in space can be utilized in the RPO game. Hardman’s field vision and elusiveness allowed him to be one of the best kick and punt return prospects in the NFL Draft. Hardman had just mediocre production, which was likely due to the talent surrounding him on Georgia’s offense. He projects as a better professional receiver than college, an NFL team may be able to better utilize his ability. After the NFL Combine, I expect Hardman to be considered on Day 2 of the NFL Draft."

1
COMMENTS
One of Georgia's most potent big-play threats over the past two seasons as both a receiver and punt returner, Hardman hauled in 37 passes for 532 yards and seven scores as a junior. His sophomore season in 2017 saw him pull down 25 catches for 418 yards and four scores. It was his first season ever playing wideout after serving as a four-year starter at quarterback for Elbert County High School and spending his freshman campaign at Georgia as a cornerback. Hardman also has 13 carries for 97 yards and two touchdowns over the past two seasons.

Where Hardman made his mark is on special teams. With 4.33 speed in the 40, he averaged 15.2 yards per punt return with one touchdown and 25.0 yards per kickoff return for his career. He earned All-American honors on special teams in 2018 with his 20.1-yard average on punt returns and a 25.2-yard average on kickoff returns. He’s got impressive strength, too, with 17 reps on the bench.

[steelmann58]

I hope he on the steelers board

[Havoc]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5r32DN7Nyk[/youtube]