Mecole Hardman: How Will He Stand Out Next Season?
The Chiefs lost some big names like Tyrann Mathieu and Melvin Ingram but did sign new draft picks. With all of these off-season moves, it makes you wonder what the next offseasons moves will be.
Now, a name that most Chiefs fans recognize is Mecole Hardman. Hardman might not be one of those offseason moves this year, but he is entering his contract year. Hardman will become an unrestricted free agent following this season. That being said, it is time for him to step up, considering the Chiefs drafted a wide receiver in Skyy Moore. So, let’s discuss what Hardman will need to do next year to earn a new contract.
Mecole Hardman has been in a tough situation as far as production, considering he had to compete for touches with Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill. With Hill gone, the Chiefs went out and got JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdez-Scantling. So again, Hardman is in a tough situation for finding an opportunity to contribute, and do not forget Travis Kelce.
Hardman has continued to increase his receiving yards each year but not by much. His career-high was this past season, where he finished with 693 receiving yards. However, his touchdowns have gone down each year, as he finished with only two last season. His yards per catch have also declined as he finished with a career-low 11.7 yards per catch in 2021.
The craziest part for Hardman is that he has continued to see more targets and has continued to rack up more receptions. 2021 saw Hardman finish with a career-high 83 targets and 59 receptions. So clearly, Hardman is needed in the offense in some way, but at the same time, he isn’t. Hardman has such a weird dynamic for this team overall.
Mecole Hardmans Role In 2022
Where does Hardman fit in with all of those stats and roster moves? Simply put, he will still be starting in some way. I think he will stick primarily to the slot receiver role and maybe get more special teams work on punt and kickoff returns. Other than that, I do not see his role increasing in any way. New additions in Smith-Schuster and Valdez-Scantling will make it difficult for him to indeed be a “number one” receiver.
The reality here is that Hardman will probably need to have his first 1,000-yard season. If he can break that mark, his spot on this roster might solidify. A slot receiver breaking 1,000 yards is a productive player, and with an offense already loaded with talent, that would be extremely helpful. This should be no issue with Mahomes throwing Hardman the ball, but Hardman needs to make it happen. Any outcome from here on out is on Hardman to perform and be a bigger impact player.
Final Verdict: Hardman Breaks 1,000 Yards, Earns Extension
The way I see it, Hardman does not want to be replaced, and with Skyy Moore waiting, Hardman will step up. While he might not see record-breaking reception numbers, I think he can increase those yards. Hardman will need to also produce on special teams, which could also help him earn that extension. Hardman has the speed and has the connection with Mahomes to have a big impact. I think Hardman will want to win that job and extension bad enough that any production will follow naturally.
What will Mecole Hardman’s role be for the Chiefs this year? Leave a comment down below to join the discussion.
Want more Chiefs content? Be sure to check out the site here for more on the Chiefs, and follow our network Twitter @StadiumRantHQ for more sports content. Also, follow @RedKingdomBF on Twitter for more Chiefs content! Thanks for reading, and have a fantastic day!