When the made wide receiver a second-round Jurrell Casey Jersey pick back in 2019, it seemed like they were adding a weapon that would take their offense to an entirely new level due to his game-breaking speed. Two years into his career, that hasn't been the case.The Chiefs' offense has been plenty good, of course, but Hardman has been only a minor contributor. He caught 26 pa ses for 538 yards and six scores as a rookie, then 41 pa ses for 560 yards and four touchdowns during his second season. Through that time, Hardman was on the field for Malcolm Butler Jersey only 45 percent of the team's offensive snaps as he worked behind , , and .With Watkins now in Baltimore, Hardman has an opportunity to step up as the team's No. 2 receiver. And he knows this is the time to ."It's probably one of my most important seasons," Hardman said at Chiefs camp, per ESPN.com. "I think it's up to me personally to do what I need to do and take advantage of every opportunity that's given to me and gain the trust of the coaches, the rest of the staff and Patrick Mahomes and my teammates and just show them I can be a viable a set every Sunday or whatever day we're playing on. It's kind of that time to just take those challenges head on and try to prove myself."Are the Chiefs headed to another ? And can they keep Patrick Mahomes upright this time? Brett Kern Jersey Follow along on the and get the latest news, insights and analysis from our team of experts, and data insights on every player. If you already have the CBS Sports app, make sure to favorite the Chiefs so you don't mi s a thing. For his part, Mahomes is already impre sed with Hardman's work in Year 3."The maturity I gue s you could say of how he practices, how he goes about his busine s, is completely different," Mahomes said. "We've always seen the talent. We've always seen the speed, the way he's able to Jonnu Smith Jersey make plays happen. But with him being so comfortable with the offense and just how we do things, I think it's going to take his game to another level."Earning the confidence of the quarterback is one thing, but Hardman also needs to ensure the coaching Wesley Woodyard Jersey staff is confident enough in his abilities to keep him on the field in the first place. And so far, so good on that front. Chiefs coach Andy Reid has also been suitably impre sed with the third-year wideout's work during the offseason and in training camp."I like Mecole's work he put in in the offseason and the way he handled himself," Reid said. "I like the way he came out today and what he did here. I look for good things from him. He'll keep getting better as he goes here. This will be a big camp for him." Hardman is obviously unlikely to overtake either Hill or as one of Mahomes' top two targets, but if he can emerge as a threat on the outside and consistently put his deep speed and run-after-catch Austin Johnson Jersey abilities to good use, he'll just make the Kansas City offense that much more dangerous.