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Juan Thornhill and Mecole Hardman Earn Spots on the PFWA All-Rookie Team

Both Thornhill and Hardman’s efforts this season were recognized by the PFWA

Two members of the Kansas City Chiefs' rookie class were recognized for their outstanding seasons on Tuesday afternoon as safety Juan Thornhill and wide receiver/return man Mecole Hardman each earned a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

Hardman, the Chiefs' first selection in the 2019 Draft, was named to the team at kick returner while Thornhill, who Kansas City acquired seven picks later, earned a spot at safety to establish the Chiefs as one of seven teams with multiple representatives on the squad.

It's a well-deserved honor for both players.

The speedy Hardman averaged 26.1 yards on kickoff duties this season, scoring on a 104-yard return in Week 17 while also playing a big role in the Chiefs' 24-point comeback against the Houston Texans last weekend with a 58-yard return to set up Kansas City's first touchdown.

Hardman enjoyed some success on offense as well, hauling in 26 catches for 538 yards and six touchdowns, averaging more than 20 yards-per-reception.

Thornhill, meanwhile, finished second on the team with three interceptions before suffering a season-ending knee injury in Week 17. He returned one of those picks for a touchdown in Week 13 - bringing the interception back 46 yards for six – and according to Pro Football Focus, Thornhill's 0.22 yards allowed per snap in coverage ranked first among all safeties.

Both players contributed to a fourth-straight AFC West Championship for Kansas City with their impressive first seasons in the league, and now they have some individual hardware to show for it.

For a look at the rest of the PFWA All-Rookie Team, click here.

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