The similarities between Mecole Hardman and Tyreek Hill are difficult to miss. This much was clear even before the Chiefs rookie took to the practice field for the first time this past weekend. Both are fast and Hardman at 5-foot-10 and 187 pounds is about the same size as the 5-10, 185-pound Hill.

Hardman will undoubtedly be used much like Hill has been if Hill is suspended or released. Hill was barred indefinitely from all team activities by the Chiefs after disturbing audio of a discussion between Hill and his fiancée, Crystal Espinal, surfaced just before the draft.

Much Like Hill, the Chiefs used Hardman both outside and in the slot during rookie minicamp.

“The things coach [Andy] Reid [does] in this offense suit me well,” Hardman said. “I feel I can do a lot of things in the offense. I'm versatile. I feel wherever he needs me to go, I can go. Whatever he needs me to do I can do. So it's just up to him to see how he's going to use me.”

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Kansas City viewed Hardman as an insurance policy so valuable they traded up in the second round of the draft to make him their top pick. Don't expect a steep learning curve for the rookie.

“I would anticipate him playing a bunch Week 1 because he's extremely talented and he's a smart kid, too,” general manager Brett Veach said. “This kid is smart, he's intelligent, he'll pick it up.

“[Hardman is a] guy that played at the top level, played in the SEC for four years. I would expect you'd see a bunch of him and I think he'll be ready to go Week 1 for sure.”

The Chiefs open up the season against the Jacksonville Jaguars.