Packers Wide Receiver Mecole Hardman Making a Case for a Roster Spot

The Green Bay Packers are very deep at wide receiver this season. They have five players who are viewed as locks to make the roster if they stay healthy. Most experts expect the team to keep six receivers. Right now there are roughly a half dozen players fighting for that spot. One of those players is veteran wide receiver Mecole Hardman who the Packers signed as a free agent over the offseason. With his strong play in training camp, Mecole Hardman is making a case for a roster spot this season.

Packers WR Mecole Hardman Making a Case for a Roster Spot: How He Got Here

Hardman was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He earned Pro Bowl honors as a return specialist in his rookie season. While Hardman doesn’t have great size at 5’10” and 187 pounds, he has good speed and experience playing against NFL defenses.

Hardman won three Super Bowls with the Chiefs and caught the game-winning touchdown in overtime against the 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII.

However, in recent seasons, his role as a receiver was reduced. In 2023, he started the season with the New York Jets but wasn’t seeing much action. So, he was traded back to Kansas City. Last year, he caught just 12 passes for 90 yards with the Chiefs. They opted not to re-sign him, and Packers GM Brian Gutekunst brought him in as a free agent to increase the depth at wide receiver and to boost the return game.

Facing Long Odds

The Packers have a very competitive receiving room at training camp. The team presently has 12 wide receivers in camp. Christian Watson is certain to start the season on the PUP list. But Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, Jayden Reed, Savion Williams, and Matthew Golden are all but locks to make the team. That leaves Hardman and five other players fighting for one roster spot.

Under those circumstances, Hardman has a difficult fight on his hands to make the Packers roster. The fact that he can also contribute on special teams and return punts and kicks could help his chances to make the roster.

In order to make the team, however, Hardman must make a strong showing during training camp and even then, nothing is guaranteed.

Packers WR Mecole Hardman Making a Case for a Roster Spot: A Strong Start in Camp

Hardman stood out immediately at minicamp. As a veteran of six NFL seasons, he knows what’s expected of him and what it takes to succeed in this league. This should give him an advantage over some of the less experienced candidates on the roster.

Hardman has made an impression on the coaching staff and his teammates in the opening weeks of camp. The former Georgia star has made some big plays as a receiver on a consistent basis. That includes a 75-yard touchdown catch from Jordan Love last week.

“He’s made a splash play every day,” head coach Matt LaFleur told NFL.com. He added, “He’s certainly a playmaker, and we know what type of player he can be as a returner.”

For his part, Hardman just wants to go out there and play his best in the preseason which will give him a chance to make his case to the coaches that he deserves to stay on the roster.

“Honestly, I think the preseason is going to be pretty fun,” Hardman told reporters. “Just going out there playing mistake-free and making the plays that come your way, not trying to do too much, I think that’s the key to all things. You definitely want to return, but it’s preseason, you never know what’s going to happen. I just want to go out there, make a few plays, and whatever happens, happens.”

While he remains a long shot to make the team, Hardman continues to do everything he can to earn a roster spot. If he falls short, it won’t be for a lack of effort.