For most NFL draft picks, especially those taken beyond the first and second rounds, lots of patience is needed to build fruitful careers. Prospects who tolerate early setbacks and steep learning curves oftentimes put themselves on track for long-term success; those who don’t, however, make it difficult to reach their potential.
Upon joining the Falcons, Justin Hardy quickly realized he wouldn’t be a major contributor from the start. The young wide receiver didn’t have to worry about a playbook much at East Carolina, and instead broke the NCAA receptions record by thriving in a spread, no-huddle system.