The first-round of the 2019 NFL Draft has come and gone, but the Dallas Cowboys have yet to make a pick. The impatience many of us are dealing with right now will finally come to an end today when the Cowboys make the first of their two Day 2 selections at 58th overall in the second-round.
The Dallas Cowboys are slotted to pick 26th in the second-round today, meaning there's still a lot that's going to happen between now and then before they can write a name down on their draft card. Instead of getting into specifics of who the Cowboys could select with the 58th overall pick, I'd rather focus on a player I believe they should draft at some point on Day 2 no matter what…Mecole Hardman.
Drafting Hardman 58th overall is a bit of a reach for most people, but I don't think so if you take into consideration all of the ways he can help as a rookie. I don't believe the Cowboys will take him that early, but the 90th overall pick in the third-round is much more realistic. If I was in the draft room, I would absolutely pound the table for Hardman in the third if he still available.
Mecole Hardman, the former Georgia product, is a dynamic playmaker in all three phases of the game. He can play receiver, special teams, and even as an emergency defensive back due to his background as a cornerback. That kind of versatility is invaluable, especially in the NFL where roster spots are priceless.
Hardman was part of a deep skill group with the Bulldogs the past two years. Despite being one of the most dynamic playmakers on the team, he only accumulated 73 touches during that time span. He turned those touches into 13 touchdowns, 16 yards per reception, 7.5 yards per rushing attempt, and averaged over 20 yards per punt return. It's a small sample size, but the numbers speak for themselves.
Surprisingly enough, Hardman is just starting to scratch the surface of his potential. He is going to be even better in the NFL than he was in college. But don't take my word for it, have a look for yourself…
Mecole Hardman in Space
Mecole Hardman is the most dangerous player in space in the entire 2019 draft class in my opinion. His legitimate 4.33 speed certainly helps, but it's his flexibility, explosion, and balance that makes him extremely difficult to tackle in space and in close quarters. There are very few defenders, if any, who possess the kind of quickness and athleticism to corral him, which is why he can turn a simple play into a home run anytime he touches the ball.
Just look what he does on the below play when he sits down in the open zone…
https://streamable.com/1ysmj
Here's another example of Mecole Hardman and what he can do in space on a simple swing pass…
https://streamable.com/gquj2
His speed and elusiveness when in space makes it extremely difficult for defensive players to get a good angle on him. You see time and time again how easily he glides past them, leaving them grasping for air.
Mecole Hardman the “Gadget” Player
Anytime Georgia was able to get the ball in Mecole Hardman's hands good things happened. Surprisingly though, he wasn't used much on “gadget” plays, but it's part of his game that will definitely be utilized more at the next level. His speed and ability to capture the edge quickly really puts opposing defenses at a disadvantage whether it's on reverses, jet sweeps, or end-arounds.
https://streamable.com/w1686
Again, Hardman's speed and ability to quickly capture the edge makes it nearly impossible for defenders to get a good angle on him. This is just a simple reverse, but as soon as Mecole gets the ball in his hands he's gone in the blink of an eye.
Can you just imagine how effective that would be in the Cowboys offense because of the amount of respect Ezekiel Elliott commands in the running game down after down? Zeke gets the flow of the defense going one way and BOOM, there goes Hardman the opposite direction for six.
Mecole Hardman the Return Man
The Dallas Cowboys could definitely use an upgrade in the return game, whether on kickoffs or punt returns. Yes, they have Tavon Austin, but he's only under a one-year contract and isn't guaranteed to even make the final 53-man roster. This is especially true if Mecole Hardman is added to the mix. He was one of the more dangerous return men in the nation at Georgia, averaging over 20 yards per punt return.
https://streamable.com/rg6a9
In the play above, Hardman shows why he's so dangerous as a punt returner. He easily secures the catch and then explodes into the open field as if he was shot out of a cannon. That's when his natural instincts in space takes over. He has tremendous vision in the open field, seeing and hitting creases other players can only dream about.
He may not have scored on the above punt return, but he was close to going the distance. Here's what it looks like when he does take it to the house…
https://streamable.com/o9vnw
Mecole Hardman the Deep Threat
The vertical passing game is where Mecole Hardman separates himself from other wide receivers in the 2019 draft class in my opinion. The only other WR I believe may be a better deep threat is Emanuel Hall out of Missouri, but he's not nearly as versatile of a player as Hardman.
Despite his limited use in the passing game at Georgia, Hardman seems to have a really good understanding of how to process coverages. He knows whether a safety, cornerback, or a linebacker is responsible for him in coverage, and knows how to take advantage of it.
Just look at how he completely embarrasses the linebacker on this play…
https://streamable.com/pbmkg
Getting Hardman matched up with a safety or linebacker is a matchup he's going to win 99% of the time, especially if he gets a free release off the line of scrimmage. Most cornerbacks have a hard enough time sticking with him when he goes vertical, which former Alabama CB Tony Brown found out the hard way.
https://streamable.com/rnyl2
Tony Brown is a 4.35 speedster himself, and is fresh off a pretty solid rookie season for the Green Bay Packers. Hardman quickly eats up the cushion Brown gave him and easily wins over the top for a walk in touchdown. That kind of vertical threat from the slot WR position is something the Cowboys offense never had with Cole Beasley and certainly missed.
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I know a lot of people are going to disagree in the Dallas Cowboys taking any kind of offensive player with either of their two draft picks on the Day 2, let alone a receiver, but for me it's Mecole Hardman no matter what. I don't think there is another offensive player in the entire draft class, at any position, who can be as big of a difference maker with the Cowboys.
The kind of skill set, versatility, and athletic ability Hardman possesses is rare and extremely difficult to come by. I think he's going to be a Tyreek Hill, Tyler Lockett, or DeSean Jackson type of offensive weapon in the NFL. He's just the kind of player you find ways to get the ball to and there's not a doubt in my mind he makes the Dallas Cowboys better from Day 1. That's why I'm pounding the table for him at 90th overall if he still on the board.
