Ranking The 2019 NFL Draft WR Class In Year Three: Who Tops The List?

9. Mecole Hardman, Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs were intent on adding speed in the 2019 NFL Draft, selecting Mecole Hardman in the second round. He was a returner at Georgia and could play in a similar role to the likes of Tyreek Hill.

Hardman was an explosive threat in his rookie campaign, averaging 20 yards per reception and using his speed to eat up cushion, exposing coverage, and erasing angles quickly on schemed touches. He could turn any reception into a touchdown, and was helpful to stress defenses that already had to worry about Hill and Travis Kelce.

As his career has gone on, Hardman is still a schemed touch guy who can help with his speed. His depth of target has dropped sharply, partially due to teams playing more two-high and forcing the Chiefs to play patient and convert on long, sustained drives. The issue is that Hardman hasn’t developed much in terms of route running and underneath/intermediate separation. He’s good for what he is though, but it’s hard to not have some hindsight considering where he was drafted.

10. Darius Slayton, New York Giants

Darius Slayton pleasantly surprised the Giants in his rookie season. A sixth rounder in the 2019 NFL Draft that presented a good blend of speed, reliable hands, and toughness, Slayton burst onto the scene with 48 catches for 740 and eight touchdowns. He built a rapport with rookie quarterback Daniel Jones and became a strong deep threat in the offense, with the strides to stack quickly and continue to separate with speed.

Slayton had another strong season in 2020, but the addition of more weapons in the passing game, along with the better health of Sterling Shepard, has phased him out a bit in the passing game. He’s a strong role player, and has definitely returned on his value for the Giants. Hopefully he can contribute down the stretch.