Jets' Offseason Addition: Gadget Player or Every-Down Receiver?

Two-time Super Bowl champion ready to show wide-ranging ability in Gang Green's offense

Mecole Hardman's full abilities weren't necessarily needed by the Kansas City Chiefs.

The veteran slot receiver made the majority of his impact plays on end-around carries and simple crossing routes. Relying on his world-class speed to create opportunities, Hardman served a more specialized role as part of the Patrick Mahomes-led offensive juggernaut.

Having signed a one-year free-agent contract with the New York Jets, the former second-round draft pick is ready to unleash a full arsenal in offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett's scheme.

"The thing we’re committed to is helping him evolve his route running and get him away from just being a high cross guy and a go ball guy," said Jets' head coach Robert Saleh after Practice No. 3 in Florham Park. "See if we can help him in the intermediate game and help him strengthen that part of his game."

Hardman has already flashed that expanded ability during the first three days of training camp practices.

"I know I can do those things, but in my last situation, I wasn't required to do those things. We had people [like Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce] to do it," said Hardman from the podium on Saturday.

Hackett's version of the West Coast offense could allow Hardman to prove he's more of an every-down receiver as opposed to a situational gadget player.

"The offense, in general, you have to do those type of things. You have to run routes. You have to learn defenses. You have to learn calls," said Hardman. "Coach Hackett is doing a good job of moving me around, putting me in different spots on the field and also letting me do the things that I'm good at."

Hardman, who was clocked at 4.33s in the 40-yard dash at the 2019 NFL Combine, gained 500+ yards receiving during each of his first three seasons with the Chiefs, but a lingering injury caused a statistical regression in 2022. 

WR Mecole Hardman makes a catch on Saturday at Jets' Camp / © Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

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The Georgia product set career highs in receptions (59) and receiving yards (693) in 2021. Then, over eight regular season appearances last fall, Hardman hauled in 25 of 34 targets for 297 yards and four scores. 

"When he has the ball in his hands, it’s elite. His vision’s elite, his field presence is elite, his ability to find lanes and gain yards is elite," said Saleh.

With an expanded role and four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers delivering the passes, Hardman could potentially produce his best season yet. 

The fifth-year pro ended Saturday's practice by making a pretty, toe-tapping touchdown grab during red zone work.

"He's definitely on time with everything," said Hardman of his new quarterback.

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