hardy was selected by the jacksonville jaguars with the second overall choice in the 1996 nfl draft, signing a six-year $14.8 million contract with a six million dollar signing bonus. hardy's fellow linebacker at illinois, rice, was selected with the third overall choice. hardy became the first defensive rookie in franchise history to start on opening day, going on to start 15 games. he recorded 130 tackles (second on the team), 5.5 sacks (third in the nfl among rookies), 7 quarterback hurries, 2 interceptions (tied for the team lead), 7 passes defensed, 2 forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and was named to the nfl all-rookie team.