Packers Huddle

Labrev wrote: ↑

18 Mar 2025 19:23

We need a return specialist if Nixon is going to ditch that role. That alone makes this worthwhile. He also gives us some depth at receiver which we could use, probably didn't cost much. A bit of a redundant skill set with Reed and Bo as a small fast primarily-slot guy, but whatever, again probably didn't cost us much.

Predicting Mecole Hardman's performance with the Green Bay Packers for the 2025 season involves some speculation, but we can make an educated guess based on his past performance, skill set, and the Packers' current roster dynamics.

Hardman, a speedy wide receiver and return specialist, signed a one-year deal with the Packers on March 18, 2025. His career highlights include a standout rookie year in 2019 with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he earned a Pro Bowl nod as a kick returner, averaging 26.1 yards per kickoff return with a 104-yard touchdown. As a receiver, his best season came in 2021, when he recorded 59 catches for 693 yards and 2 touchdowns. However, his production has dipped in recent years, with less than 300 receiving yards in each of the last three seasons, including just 12 catches for 90 yards in 2024 before a knee injury sidelined him.

With the Packers, Hardman joins a receiver group featuring Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, and the injured Christian Watson, who is expected to miss the early part of the 2025 season due to a torn ACL. This injury could open up opportunities for Hardman, particularly as a deep-threat option with his 4.33-second 40-yard dash speed. Coach Matt LaFleur’s offense, which often utilizes motion and jet sweeps, could also suit Hardman’s gadget-player skill set. Additionally, with Keisean Nixon potentially stepping away from kick returns to focus on defense, Hardman could reclaim a significant role on special teams.

That said, Hardman has never been a primary receiver, even with Patrick Mahomes throwing to him in Kansas City. The Packers’ passing game revolves around quarterback Jordan Love, who spreads the ball around to a versatile but not elite receiver corps. Hardman’s offensive role might be limited to a complementary piece—think 20-30 targets—unless he capitalizes on Watson’s absence to carve out a bigger niche.

A reasonable prediction for Hardman’s 2025 season with the Packers might look like this:

- **Receiving:** 25-35 catches, 300-400 yards, 2-3 touchdowns. This assumes he gets occasional deep shots and some underneath work in LaFleur’s scheme.
- **Rushing:** 5-10 carries, 50-75 yards, possibly 1 touchdown, given his history with jet sweeps.
- **Special Teams:** 20-25 punt returns (averaging 9-10 yards) and 15-20 kickoff returns (averaging 23-25 yards), with a chance for a return touchdown if he regains his 2019 form.

The ceiling could be higher—say, 50 catches for 600 yards—if he gels with Love and Watson’s recovery lags. The floor, however, might resemble his recent Chiefs seasons: minimal offensive impact (15-20 catches, under 200 yards) with most of his value on special teams. His success will hinge on staying healthy, adapting to a new system, and seizing early opportunities. Given his one-year deal, this is a prove-it season for Hardman, so motivation won’t be an issue. Expect a modest but noticeable contribution, leaning heavily on his speed and return skills.

APB wrote: ↑

19 Mar 2025 07:24

I stand corrected.

Based on his 2024 play, it looks like Hardman was strictly an inside/slot/gadget play receiver. None of his receptions from this past year went downfield. It was all pump passes from motion crossing Mahomes face or designed WR screens thrown at/behind the LOS. I don't think I saw anything directed at Hardman more than ~5 yds downfield which suggests, to me, that the elite 4.33 40 combine speed component is all but gone.

So yeah, he's not moving the needle.

Labrev wrote: ↑

19 Mar 2025 08:49

A KC journo came on the latest Pack-a-Day episode, hosted by Ross Uglem, as a guest and said KC moved away from vertical routes in general because they were seeing lots of two-high defenses and made things more horizontal, so the lackluster production may have less to do with him and more their offensive design.

Hopefully whatever knee injuries that sidelined him last year didn't rob him of speed. And even if he lost some speed, when you run 4.33, you can lose a little speed but still be fast.

Yoop wrote: ↑

19 Mar 2025 09:07

Labrev wrote: ↑

19 Mar 2025 08:49

A KC journo came on the latest Pack-a-Day episode, hosted by Ross Uglem, as a guest and said KC moved away from vertical routes in general because they were seeing lots of two-high defenses and made things more horizontal, so the lackluster production may have less to do with him and more their offensive design.

Hopefully whatever knee injuries that sidelined him last year didn't rob him of speed. And even if he lost some speed, when you run 4.33, you can lose a little speed but still be fast.

OK, makes sense, a lot of offenses have done basically the same thing, however, look at the 5 or 6th play in that video, he had open field and was caught by a lber, IMO he's lost that quick step, he may still run fast once he gets to high gear, however, that pass play shows it takes him longer to get there

we'll see, one play isn't enough proof he's lost it, but the lack of interest around the need for his speed league says he probably has.

lots of talk going around that Guty may break the mold and use slot 23 on a receiver, I'am taking it as a grain of salt shot right up my nose cough, cough

most comments I've read say the top 4 or 5 will be over drafted and none are a true #1, even McMillian is considered by scouts to be a compliment or a #2, some consider 7 or 8 to be top 100, most drafts the last 5 years have twice that many in the top 100, so it is a weak WR class

Labrev wrote: ↑

19 Mar 2025 10:11

Btw, I think it may be a bit overstated how 'weak' this receiver class is. It definitely is not as impressive as last year with guys like MHJ, Nabers, Thomas, etc. or the year before which didn't have many elite prospects but had crazy depth. This class lacks elite prospects or depth, but there are still lots of options for teams that need WRs.

I think it could end up working in our favor. Teams loaded up on WR in the last two years, and this year they will be focused on 'stronger' positions like linemen on both sides, RBs, TEs, etc. That will (hopefully) help push the receiver prospects down and offer us some better value.

It's like how last year was a weak S class, but while everyone passed up the S prospects, we came away with three guys that upgraded the starters and depth for us from the year before.

Drj820 wrote: ↑

19 Mar 2025 11:13

It’s too early in the FA process to dismiss mecole as a “camp body”

Dude fills multiple needs and still has his speed and he’s actually been around winners and won a ring.

At minimum, he has a solid role in the o until Watson comes back healthy.

My guess is it’s in the $4-$6m range. A range firmly on the 53 man roster

Drj820 wrote: ↑

19 Mar 2025 11:13

It’s too early in the FA process to dismiss mecole as a “camp body”

Dude fills multiple needs and still has his speed and he’s actually been around winners and won a ring.

At minimum, he has a solid role in the o until Watson comes back healthy.

My guess is it’s in the $4-$6m range. A range firmly on the 53 man roster

Madcity_matt wrote: ↑

19 Mar 2025 11:40

Drj820 wrote: ↑

19 Mar 2025 11:13

It’s too early in the FA process to dismiss mecole as a “camp body”

Dude fills multiple needs and still has his speed and he’s actually been around winners and won a ring.

At minimum, he has a solid role in the o until Watson comes back healthy.

My guess is it’s in the $4-$6m range. A range firmly on the 53 man roster

agree on the price but hopefully not much of a signing bonus. I don't see him as a lock to make the team