Mecole Hardman arrives to the Green Bay Packers with rich experience as a return specialist, something that helped his former team Kansas City Chiefs win three Super Bowls.
However, for the 2019 56th pick, he believes he should not be boxed on that skill alone. He thinks he can do more as a wide receiver and that’s what he vows to bring to the table for the Packers.
“I can play all three positions, x, y, z, slot,” he told reporters after Wednesday’s practice.
“I think I can do a lot. I bring speed to the offense, as well as the gadget plays or deep balls down the field. I think I got the screen game. YAC (yards after catch). I think I’ve showed over the years that when you get the ball in my hands, I can make things happen.”
Hardman as the wide receiver was very effective for the Chiefs. He recorded two rushing touchdowns and a receiving touchdown in 2022, making him the first ever WR to do that in the Super Bowl era.
Mecole Hardman wants to be versatile and come for WR role
Hardman offers his versatility to Packers but he knows returning is something he can do best.
“I think returning is a unique skill,” he said.
“I’ve been lucky enough to be able to return in some of the biggest stages, and some of the biggest games. I think when it comes to that, I love that part of it. Open to everything, kickoff return, punt return. If there’s something that they would love me to be a part of, I would love to be a part of as well. I’m coming here with that mindset of trying to actually do that on special teams as well as trying to carve out role and receiver room as well.”
Hardman had 335 return yards last season for the Chiefs.
As for the wide receiver role, it will be a tight competition in that department. The team currently has 12 wide receivers led by Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, and Christian Watson who is fast recovering from his ACL injury late last season.
