Las Vegas Raiders: One breakout player from each AFC West foe

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 29: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders congratulates quarterback Drew Lock #3 of the Denver Broncos after the game at Empower Field at Mile High on December 29, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Raiders 16-15. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

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Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /

Las Vegas Raiders: One breakout player from each AFC West foe

Kansas City Chiefs: Mecole Hardman

In the case of the rich getting richer, the defending champion Chiefs could have another breakout player at the receiver position, and that possibility only heightens the importance of the Raiders’ secondary making a leap in Vegas. Mecole Hardman flashed his speed and big-play ability in his rookie year, and it could transition into a breakout season in 2020.

Hardman caught 26 catches for 538 yards last season, and his 4.33 40-yard dash was on display in his first career start against the Raiders in Week 2. Hardman recorded his first career touchdown reception against the Silver and Black, averaging around 15 yards per catch in the win.

Kansas City’s offense is stacked with Patrick Mahomes throwing to Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce, but in a way that could work to Hardman’s advantage. The workload might be light in comparison, but defenses zeroing in on Hill and Kelce gives Hardman ample opportunities to convert big plays downfield, something Las Vegas cannot afford in 2020.

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