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New York Jets wide receiver Mecole Hardman was a second-round pick by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2019 NFL Draft. The former Georgia Bulldog had an impressive rookie season.
Hardman had only 26 receptions on 41 targets for 538 receiving yards as a rookie. However, he had six receiving touchdowns, the second-most on the team behind Tyreek Hill.
Unfortunately, the former Bulldog didn’t improve his numbers much in 2020. Hardman had 41 receptions on 62 targets for 560 receiving yards and four touchdowns in his sophomore season. He then had 59 receptions on 83 targets for 693 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 2021.
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What Did Mecole Hardman Accomplish In 2022?
Many thought Hardman would have a breakout season in 2022 after the Chiefs traded away Hill during the offseason. Unfortunately, he missed nine games because of injuries last year. Yet, the former Bulldog did have some positive moments in 2022, including a three-touchdown performance in Week 7 against the San Francisco 49ers.
Hardman ended the year with 25 receptions on 34 targets for 297 receiving yards and four touchdowns in eight games. He also had four rushing attempts for 31 yards and a pair of touchdowns. While some thought Kansas City would re-sign the former Bulldog after losing JuJu Smith-Schuster in free agency, the Chiefs had other plans.
Will Mecole Hardman Have An Expanded Role With The Jets?
Some thought the former second-round pick would get a multi-year contract this offseason. However, Hardman only signed a one-year deal with the Jets in free agency.
After being stuck on the depth chart behind Hill and other wide receivers, will Hardman finally break out in 2023? Unfortunately, fantasy players shouldn’t expect much from the former Bulldog.
While the team traded Elijah Moore to the Cleveland Browns shortly after signing Hardman, the Jets also signed Allen Lazard in free agency. More importantly, Garrett Wilson had an excellent rookie year in 2022, winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
Yes, the eventual addition of Aaron Rodgers will help Hardman’s fantasy value. Yet, he will still be the No. 3 wide receiver. Furthermore, offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett likes to use multiple two tight end sets. That means Hardman will have to outperform Lazard for snaps opposite Wilson.
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