WR Mecole Hardman, BUF (6 Viewers)

[tjnc09]

7th best WR in a league that counts return yards.  One of my best FA pick ups this year

 

[Kevrunner]

Next year there should be more targets without Watkins

I agree and look forward to Hardman getting more involved, just not sure if I will be able to start him if he is behind  Hill/Kelce and whatever RB the Chiefs have next season.   In deep leagues sure Hardman looks like he will be valuable, 10/12 team leagues, I'm not so sure.   If I own Tyreek, I would be eager to get Hardman (he's as good as a handcuff WR can be).   The only problem is most owners that drafted Hardman, already paid a high price for him and want something similar back in value.  It's just his value isn't as high as it was because of the Tyreek situation at that time.

 

[Faust]

Mecole Hardman: 2020 dynasty outlook begins with Super Bowl LIV

 

[The Frankman]

Mecole Hardman caught his lone target for two yards in the Chiefs' Super Bowl LIV victory over the 49ers, losing six yards on a carry.

Drafted as a potential Tyreek Hill replacement, No. 56 overall pick Hardman was relegated to role player status when Hill avoided suspension for his latest off-the-field issues. The owner of 4.33 wheels, Hardman was as advertised, turning 26 receptions into a whopping 538 yards (20.7 YPC) and six touchdowns. Even as he cleared two receptions just three times and never surpassed four, 21-year-old Hardman was one of the league’s most dangerous role players. With Demarcus Robinson heading to free agency and Sammy Watkins a likely cap casualty, Hardman could be in for a much bigger role in 2020.

 

[grateful zed]

(thehuddle) Kansas City Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman led all receivers with a 146.6 passer rating when targeted in 2019, finishing with six touchdowns and 20.7 yards per reception on 41 targets.

 

[Boston]

@grateful zed  That's an impossible pace to keep up.  Hardman will get more targets, but he'll also get more attention.  I think it's a wash, and his numbers are going to look about the same, but with less efficiency.  Hardman is a hold until Watkins actually leaves.

I'm actually a little more nervous if Watkins leaves before Hardman really develops...at this point Watkins is what he is, a solid but nothing special WR...if Hardman really develops he will be able to replace him, I do not see Watkins as a major hurdle...my concern is if Hardman's development this season doesn't take a big jump the Chiefs will let Watkins walk then bring in someone a lot better then him that could keep Hardman as the third WR for the foreseeable future...the Chiefs O is their bread and butter and as you saw with CEH they are gonna be committed to surrounding Mahomes with legit weapons.

 

[Faust]

Chiefs special teams coach Dave Toub said he's "not sure" about Mecole Hardman continuing his role as the team's primary returner.

"I don’t want to lose him," Toub continued. "I think he’s just scratched the surface as a returner." Toub went on to note that a bigger offensive role for Hardman may limit his availability as a returner, which would be a welcomed sight for fantasy players after the 22-year-old spiked six touchdowns and averaged 20.7 yards per catch on just 41 targets all season. For what it's worth, UDFA Justice Shelton-Mosely was also told he "would be the guy to do the things Hardman does" on special teams upon being signed. Any additional reps over Sammy Watkins and Demarcus Robinson would obviously push Hardman into the WR3 and weekly FLEX range for fantasy in only his second year working with Patrick Mahomes.

SOURCE: Pro Football Talk on Twitter

May 20, 2020, 2:06 PM ET

 

[Milkman]

That's just terrible analysis. He's not going to be much of anything with Tyreek there. 

Never was......

 

[Faust]

Dynasty Buy, Sell, Or Hold: Mecole Hardman

 

[Joe Bryant]

Unhidden.

Dr. Dan aka Interseptus, any more of these?

 

[Faust]

MECOLE HARDMAN POISED TO BREAK OUT IN 2020

 

[Faust]

The Athletic's Nate Taylor reports Mecole Hardman is expected to be the primary punt and kick returner.

Chiefs special teams coach Dave Toub said he "wasn't sure" about Hardman keeping that job in 2020 because he'd be more involved on offense, but training camp practices show that Hardman will remain on special teams. It's a great way for the team to utilize his rare speed and in-space athleticism, although it takes some wind out of Hardman's sails as a must-draft fantasy receiver. Drafters remain extremely bullish on Hardman, even reaching for him in the 7th or 8th round despite him seeing just six targets during the Chiefs' playoff run last year. He's a classic boom-bust pick in the middle rounds.

SOURCE: The Athletic

Aug 19, 2020, 1:07 PM ET

 

[The Frankman]

Mecole Hardman caught his lone target for six yards in the Chiefs' Week 1 win over the Texans.

Hyped as a second-year breakout candidate, Hardman played well behind both Sammy Watkins and Demarcus Robinson as the lightly-used Chiefs' No. 4 wideout. With his standing on the depth chart, Hardman is hard to make a case for in 12-team fantasy leagues. He's going to need an injury ahead of him.

- Rotoworld

 

[skol asylum]

I got too cute and started him in a flex over Cooks. Oops.

 

[habsfan]

I got too cute and started him in a flex over Cooks. Oops.

Me too. Seeing Cooks 2 for 20 on my bench really stings...

 

[ffmail4me]

Its awful to say, but you almost have to hope for an injury to Robinson and/or Watkins before he's safe to put in the lineup. Frustrating because we know the kid has the goods...he's just buried big time on that roster. 

 

[Wigglytuff's Gruff]

Dropped him.

Sounds knee jerk but it's abundantly clear he isn't worth sitting on. Better fliers on the waiver.

 

[mr roboto]

He’s a dynasty hold IMO. Especially with Mahomes contract. 
 

But this roster is loaded it’s gonna be hard for him to put a consistent numbers unless there are multiple injuries.

 

[MikesVikes]

I got too cute and started him in a flex over Cooks. Oops.

I didn’t start Cooks in any league. Hopefully this was his low point.

 

[Boston]

Its awful to say, but you almost have to hope for an injury to Robinson and/or Watkins before he's safe to put in the lineup. Frustrating because we know the kid has the goods...he's just buried big time on that roster. 

Lot of moving parts with Hardman (and you covered a few)...he is still young (22) and raw so how much does the non-preseason season effect him early?  Watkins and Robinson are both on one year deals so is this another development year and next year he hits the big time or does KC bring in another high-end WR next offseason?  I think he is a no doubt hold because the potential upside is tremendous but he is a player who has a huge swing in upside/downside value.

 

[ffmail4me]

I didn’t start Cooks in any league. Hopefully this was his low point.

he's becoming the Lee Evans or Santana Moss of WRs...he'll put up stinkers over and over and then every once in a while BOOM, huge game. The odds of you having him in your lineup at the right time are miniscule. I moved him in the one PPR dynasty league I still owned him for Conner and  couldn't be happier with the return. 

 

[MikesVikes]

he's becoming the Lee Evans or Santana Moss of WRs...he'll put up stinkers over and over and then every once in a while BOOM, huge game. The odds of you having him in your lineup at the right time are miniscule. I moved him in the one PPR dynasty league I still owned him for Conner and  couldn't be happier with the return. 

That also sounds like Hardman. Evans is a good comparison too.

 

[BassNBrew]

Its awful to say, but you almost have to hope for an injury to Robinson and/or Watkins before he's safe to put in the lineup. Frustrating because we know the kid has the goods...he's just buried big time on that roster. 

With Robinson's two TD drops I wouldn't be surprised to see more of Hardman

 

[The Frankman]

Mecole Hardman caught 4-of-6 targets for 81 yards and one touchdown in the Chiefs' Week 3 win over the Ravens.

Hardman came into this one with just three catches for 26 yards on four targets, but he played ahead of Demarcus Robinson against Baltimore and was the recipient of an incredible 49-yard touchdown throw from Patrick Mahomes on a deep shot. Hardman has mouthwatering upside, but he needs to start playing consistent offensive snaps.

- Rotoworld

 

[Faust]

Mecole Hardman caught all four of his targets for 27 yards and one score in Kansas City's Week 4 win over the Patriots.

It was Hardman's second touchdown in as many games. The 22-year-old scored on a six-yard touch pass (literally) that he took around the edge and punched into the end zone. Hardman is still being used as the team's third receiver (and fourth in the overall pecking order) but remains a talent-based FLEX for fantasy players desperate during the bye weeks moving forward.

Oct 5, 2020, 11:08 PM ET

 

[Faust]

Can Mecole Hardman or Demarcus Robinson be started in fantasy football?

 

[LittlePhatty]

 

[Faust]

Mecole Hardman did not catch his only target in the Chiefs' Week 6 win over the Bills.

Hardman was out-targeted by Demarcus Robinson for the second straight week. Sammy Watkins was out with a hamstring injury and it has been Robinson who has stepped up in his place so far. Hardman was touted as the second coming of Tyreek Hill when the Chiefs drafted him in 2019 but he's failed to live up to the hype this year. Fantasy managers should keep Hardman on the bench until he starts seeing more targets.

Oct 19, 2020, 9:20 PM ET

 

[The Frankman]

Mecole Hardman caught 7-of-9 targets for 96 yards and a touchdown in the Chiefs' Week 8 victory over the Jets. 

The majority of Hardman's damage, including his touchdown, came on a first quarter jet sweep that went down as a pass. The seven receptions were a new career high, while the 96 yards were just one shy. Hardman's big day came even as Demarcus Robinson mixed in for 4/63/1. Hardman's failure to dispatch Robinson during Sammy Watkins' (hamstring) absence bodes poorly for his odds of turning into a consistent WR3/4. Week 9 opponent Carolina focuses on eliminating the kind of plays Hardman is good at. 

- Rotoworld

 

[Faust]

Chiefs placed WR Mecole Hardman on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

The only good news is that Hardman's diagnosis comes as the Chiefs head on bye. If the second-year pro is asymptomatic, there is a chance he will not miss any game time. Hardman had three catches for 48 yards last week and has a 25/395/3 line this season. 

Nov 11, 2020, 5:02 PM ET

 

[Faust]

Chiefs activated Mecole Hardman from the COVID-19 list.

Hardman will be cleared to play the Raiders on Sunday Night Football, and he carries flex consideration with Sammy Watkins (calf, hamstring) ruled out. Hardman's route share has fluctuated alongside Demarcus Robinson and Byron Pringle while Watkins has been sidelined with soft-tissue injuries. It's unclear how long Watkins will miss following his in-practice injury a few days ago.

Nov 21, 2020, 4:20 PM ET

 

[tricky92]

I have a feeling this is going to be the break-out game everyone has been waiting for...

 

[Faust]

Mecole Hardman played 17 snaps in the Chiefs' Week 11 win against the Raiders. 

Hardman managed one catch for 16 yards. Byron Pringle played 46 snaps against Vegas while Demarcus Robinson was in on 63 plays. The humiliations never end for Hardman drafters. Sammy Watkins' hamstring injury hasn't made Hardman fantasy relevant outside of a seven-catch explosion in Week 8 against the abominable Jets. Perhaps Hardman will get more playing time if Pringle, Robinson, and every other pass catcher on the team's active roster and practice squad are unavailable. He can't be started in fantasy leagues going forward. 

RELATED: 

Byron Pringle

SOURCE: Adam Levitan on Twitter 

Nov 23, 2020, 9:46 AM ET

 

[The Frankman]

Mecole Hardman caught 3-of-5 targets for 23 yards in the Chiefs' Week 12 win over the Bucs.

Hardman had one of his two missed connections sail behind him on what should have been a walk-in 89-yard touchdown. Patrick Mahomes just missed a wide-open Hardman over the middle with nobody around him. Sammy Watkins was back in the lineup to finish third on the team in targets. Hardman is merely injury insurance for Tyreek Hill and Watkins.

- Rotoworld

 

[HW_53]

Hardman has all the talent and opportunity in the world, but for whatever reason can't seem to get any traction in this offense.  Even when Hill was out, he was outplayed by Watkins/Robinson.  Hopefully he can start to earn the trust of Mahomes soon, otherwise his chance to bloom is getting shorter and shorter..

 

[Faust]

Week 16 Dynasty Risers and Fallers: Chase Edmonds is taking over

Excerpt:

FALLER: WR MECOLE HARDMAN, KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Even after coming off a nine-target game, Harmdan still registers as a faller. He corralled only three of his nine targets for just 22 yards, but that’s not why he sits in this spot. The greater trend of him losing snaps to Demarcus Robinson is decreasing his value, and nine targets in one week are not enough to stop the fall. 

Since Sammy Watkins‘ return, Hardman has run a route on 37.4% of Patrick Mahomes’ dropbacks while Robinson is at a 65% rate. After two seasons, Hardman has been wholly incapable of surpassing a receiver who has never topped 500 receiving yards in a season.

 

[The Frankman]

Mecole Hardman caught 2-of-3 targets for four yards and one touchdown in the Chiefs' AFC Championship win over the Bills, adding 50-yard rush on one attempt.

Hardman's night started off in the worst way possible, muffing a first-quarter punt inside his own five-yard line that the Bills recovered and then scored a three-yard touchdown a couple plays later. Hardman made up for it, however, with a three-yard touchdown catch on a screen to the left. With Sammy Watkins hurt and inactive, Hardman and Byron Pringle combined for eight targets as deep third or fourth options.

- Rotoworld

 

[Faust]

Mecole Hardman caught 2-of-6 targets for four yards in the Chiefs' Super Bowl loss to the Bucs. 

It was a mistake-filled night for Hardman on offense and special teams. Hardman was a deeply polarizing summer fantasy case, one whose faders ended up easily winning the argument. The “next Tyreek Hill” failed to goose his (solid) rookie numbers even with Sammy Watkins missing six contests with injury. The Chiefs did do a better job of manufacturing touches for Hardman down the stretch, where he responded with a pair of 20-yard rushes over the final five games of the season. Even with Watkins headed to free agency and unlikely to be re-signed, it should not be a given that 22-year-old Hardman improves on his 41/560/4 sophomore line in 2021.

Feb 7, 2021, 11:04 PM ET

 

[Faust]

Chiefs' Mecole Hardman more than just fast? K.C.'s actions this offseason may tell the tale

 

[Faust]

The Athletic's Nate Taylor reports Chiefs officials are "still bullish" on Mecole Hardman headed into the 2021 season. 

One could question to validity of Taylor's claim based on the team's dogged -- and unsuccessful -- pursuit of free agent wide receivers this month. JuJu Smith-Schuster, Corey Davis, T.Y. Hilton, and Josh Reynolds turned down the Chiefs, leaving the team with third-tier free agent options like Golden Tate, Willie Snead, and Larry Fitzgerald. Taylor said an "underrated downside for Hardman last offseason, amid the coronavirus pandemic, is that he wasn’t able to develop his on-field chemistry with Mahomes following a limited role as a rookie." This led to another season of miscommunications with Mahomes, including a couple costly miscues in KC's Super Bowl loss. Lost in Hardman's 2020 season: The second-year receiver saw 21 more targets and had 15 more receptions than he did in his rookie season. Chiefs general manager Brett Veach recently offered support for Hardman as a third pass catching option behind Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce. “We’re expecting big things out of Mecole,” Veach said. Veach, Taylor added, could address wideout in the NFL Draft after largely striking out in free agency. 

SOURCE: The Athletic 

Mar 26, 2021, 8:07 AM ET

 

[ffmail4me]

I hope the Chiefs are still bullish on him (own him in several dynasty leagues), but they certainly haven't acted like it with their roster moves and targets during the playoffs last year...

 

[sushinsky4tsar]

I've come to terms with the fact that he won't be a usable fantasy asset for as long as Hill is around.   His game doesn't compliment Hill as far as being the #2 WR, and that's not what he was drafted to be.   I don't think he has shown enough polish for the Chiefs to seriously consider him in that role for 2021, nor do I expect him to have much of a path to take it.   They have tried and failed to find a possession receiver to replace Watkins in free agency.   Maybe Watkins comes back.   If not, I fully expect a pretty substantial investment in a possession receiver in the draft.

Dynasty value is going to depend on him taking a step forward in the weapon role.   It's also going to depend a lot on Hill taking a step back.   There's not much dead money on Hill's 2022 year, but I don't see the Chiefs moving on unless there's a significant injury.   So then it's a question of whether Hill goes after another big payday for 2023 and has his game slowed down to a point that the Chiefs are willing to let him walk and plug in Hardman as a cheaper option.  This is hoping that Hardman has established himself as a natural fit to occupy a top-2 WR spot with a long-standing rapport with Mahomes.   He's definitely a long play, but until he shows me that he has no chance of eventually stepping into that role, I would rather keep him around on the end of my dynasty bench.    

 

[jm192]

I'm a lot more intrigued suddenly.  

 

[Dr. Octopus]

I've come to terms with the fact that he won't be a usable fantasy asset for as long as Hill is around.   His game doesn't compliment Hill as far as being the #2 WR, and that's not what he was drafted to be.   I don't think he has shown enough polish for the Chiefs to seriously consider him in that role for 2021, nor do I expect him to have much of a path to take it.   They have tried and failed to find a possession receiver to replace Watkins in free agency.   Maybe Watkins comes back.   If not, I fully expect a pretty substantial investment in a possession receiver in the draft.

Dynasty value is going to depend on him taking a step forward in the weapon role.   It's also going to depend a lot on Hill taking a step back.   There's not much dead money on Hill's 2022 year, but I don't see the Chiefs moving on unless there's a significant injury.   So then it's a question of whether Hill goes after another big payday for 2023 and has his game slowed down to a point that the Chiefs are willing to let him walk and plug in Hardman as a cheaper option.  This is hoping that Hardman has established himself as a natural fit to occupy a top-2 WR spot with a long-standing rapport with Mahomes.   He's definitely a long play, but until he shows me that he has no chance of eventually stepping into that role, I would rather keep him around on the end of my dynasty bench.    

That’s a really long play in dynasty as this will be his third year in and you’re hoping he’s relevant two years from now.

He’s heading into roster clogger territory.

 

[nightmare]

After T Hill, T Kelce and Edwards Helaire, Hardman and Robinson could be fighting for

the 4th receiving option. Mahommes threw for 4740 and M Hardman only went above 60

yards two times. He also only went above 3 catches three times. B Pringle could also be

in that mess. Robinson's season mirrored Hardman's.

I own Hardman in dynasty and he is on a short leash.

If one of the other three were injured, you still wouldn't know when to start Hardman as

Robinson and Pringle would split time with him.   

 

[nightmare]

Unless/until they replace Hardman as a returner, I don't see his snap count going up.

 

[sushinsky4tsar]

That’s a really long play in dynasty as this will be his third year in and you’re hoping he’s relevant two years from now.

He’s heading into roster clogger territory.

Yes, it is.  I'm evaluating him in terms of being my 8th WR on a 25-man roster, and even then he's entering roster clogger territory.   There might be younger more polished options sitting there in the 3rd round of the rookie draft, but injuries happen and I never think it's a bad idea to have pieces of the Chiefs offense with those final roster spots if you don't need actual fantasy production in the current year.  I need to see better ball tracking on the deep ball opportunities along with no bad drops if he's going to survive the season.

 

[Boston]

That’s a really long play in dynasty as this will be his third year in and you’re hoping he’s relevant two years from now.

He’s heading into roster clogger territory.

I am feeling a Ted Ginn Jr. vibe with Hardman...gifted athletically, real good returner, will make some big plays and defenses do have to pay attention to him but overall he's probably going to have far more value as a real player than a fantasy player...I can see the hope due to the fact he is playing with Mahomes, still only 23 and the KC WR depth chart really isn't too much outside of Hill (at least until the draft) but he's a guy I'm not too interested in and he probably still has enough value that you can include him in a deal and he may move the needle.

 

[Faust]

IS MECOLE HARDMAN POISED FOR BREAKOUT SEASON?

 

[Faust]

Mecole Hardman talks replacing Sammy Watkins and the team’s 2021 outlook