2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year sleepers
Mecole Hardman, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
Who may have been the closest to a clone of Tyreek Hill on the football field in this year’s draft? Probably Mecole Hardman. Who drafted him? Why the Kansas City Chiefs of course!
Hardman is lightning fast, running an unofficial 4.33 40-time at the NFL scouting combine. His speed and quickness have already been on display in the preseason. He scored a touchdown on a little shovel pass in which he darted right through potential tacklers from the 20 yard-line in what seemed like an instant.
With Hill on one side and Travis Kelce over the middle, defenses can’t afford to place a safety over top of Hardman. He should be able to burn defenses deep with his speed or turn short passes into big plays as he did against the Bengals.
Hardman will have to compete with veterans Sammy Watkins and Demarcus Robinson for snaps, but if he is able to develop as a route runner and catcher, Hardman has the potential to be something special. In such a prolific offense, Hardman will surely get enough looks to prove himself and could secure a position in the starting lineup along with the other dangerous weapons at Patrick Mahomes‘ disposal.
Josh Oliver, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars
It’s no secret that Nick Foles loves to throw to tight ends. And when you have a guy like Zach Ertz at your disposal, who can blame you? But Foles is no longer in Philadelphia and will be searching for a new go-to target across the middle in his new home of Jacksonville. Looking to be that guy is rookie tight end, Josh Oliver.
Oliver totaled over 700 yards receiving in his senior season at San Jose State but did not have very impressive stats throughout his college career. He was a first-team All-Mountain West selection this past season bringing him into the view of NFL scouts. He is a big, athletic target that the Jags took a chance on in the third round.
Oliver impressed quarterbacks and coaches very quickly as a Jag in camp. He seems to have good understanding and flow as a route runner and has the potential to be a great modern-day receiving tight end that is so valued in the NFL right now.
Jacksonville did bring in former Dallas Cowboys tight end Geoff Swaim in free agency who is currently listed as the starter, but if Oliver continues to develop and impress, Foles could find himself a new favorite target.