The Green Bay Packers finally added a free-agent wide receiver by signing Mecole Hardman, who has spent most of his NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Entering the offseason with dreams of reuniting with Davante Adams or trading for DK Metcalf, Packers fans understandably felt frustration at the team’s lack of moves before signing Hardman. While he barely played on offense for the Chiefs or New York Jets over the past two seasons, Hardman can provide value to the Packers.
Hardman adds game-changing speed. He won’t replace Christian Watson’s field-stretching ability, but the Packers may use him out of the backfield similarly to how Matt LaFleur utilized Jayden Reed and Tyler Ervin. Hardman’s biggest contributions will come on special teams. He is an experienced return specialist and earned Pro Bowl honors in that role in 2019.
Make no mistake about it, though: Hardman isn’t guaranteed a roster spot. He will need to earn his place on the 53-man roster. That said, his arrival puts one Packers wide receiver under immense pressure.
Mecole Hardman puts Bo Melton under pressure to retain a spot on Packers’ 53-man roster
Even if Watson isn’t on the initial 53-man roster while he recovers from injury, the Packers have competition for spots at wide receiver. Reed, Romeo Doubs, and Dontayvion Wicks are locks. That leaves two or three positions.
Malik Heath has a good shot at clinching a spot, while Hardman’s ability to line up in the backfield and make an impact on special teams gives him a clear path to the 53-man roster.
RELATED: Packers’ dreams and nightmares come true in Mel Kiper’s latest mock draft
Where does that leave Bo Melton?
While Melton would currently qualify as the WR6 (not including Watson due to injury), the Packers may add more talent in the draft. What if Brian Gutekunst targets a wide receiver in the opening three rounds? It would push the receivers on the roster bubble further down the depth chart.
Melton played a little under a quarter of the Packers’ offensive snaps last season but struggled to make an impact. He caught only eight of 17 targets for 91 yards.
While Heath also saw limited opportunities last season, he has provided more reliable play. Last season, Heath caught 10 of his 13 targets for 97 yards and two touchdowns. At 6-foot-2, 213 pounds, Heath also has the size the Packers covet. Melton is 5-foot-11 and 189 pounds.
It could come down to Hardman and Melton for the final spot. Special teams value often settles position battles on the roster bubble, and Hardman has a clear advantage.
Melton is officially on notice.
