Inside The 2015 Draft - Justin Hardy

Feb 28, 2015
2 min read

Justin Hardy WR, East Carolina

In this series, we take a look inside the NFL draft to unearth the draft’s gems who could become the newest breed of Chiefs in this April. This week we take a look at a receiver who the Chiefs have reportedly fallen in love with.

FBS Record breaker (career receptions), Justin Hardy has unbelievably been overlooked this year while forming college football’s deadliest duo with QB Shane Carden this season.

However, underrate Hardy at your peril. A supremely reliable target in the AAC, he’s a fine route runner, arguably along with Amari Cooper, the best in this WR class. During the Senior Bowl week of practices, the senior caught everything thrown his way & wowed with his instincts for the position & that superior route running nous. In fact, Hardy barely dropped, in fact a paltry 1 of every 35 passes thrown his way during an impressive career.

Smaller in stature at 5’11 188lbs, Hardy is a tough competitor making the catch in traffic across the middle of the field without fear. Elusive with the ball is in his hands, he is a terror in the open field, allowing him to post 121 catches for 1,494 yards & 10 touchdowns this season. Watching his play, it has been apparent just how a perfect fit he is for Andy Reid’s West Coast philosophy. Hardy will be a proficient route runner & pass catching weapon in underneath routes & screens, where the former Pirate is most at home and will inflict the most damage. Alex Smith would have his perfect match, who will get himself open with unnerving regularity for the franchise leader. One of my favourite prospects to scout this season, he will certainly be there for the Chiefs in the 2nd round.