Latest news with #MecoleHardman
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jordan Love Draws Eye-Opening 2025 Prediction From NFL Writer
Jordan Love Draws Eye-Opening 2025 Prediction From NFL Writer originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Jordan Love's sophomore season as the Green Bay Packers' starting quarterback had its ups and downs. He finished as a top-10 quarterback in nearly every advanced metric—despite playing through knee and groin injuries for most of the year. He also led the team to its second consecutive postseason appearance. Advertisement One of Green Bay's priorities this offseason was to give Jordan Love more weapons and maximize his talent. They selected wide receiver Matthew Golden in the first round and added Savion Williams in the third of the 2025 NFL Draft. To improve protection, they drafted tackles Anthony Belton in the second round and John Williams in the seventh. In free agency, they signed veteran guard Aaron Banks and added speed with receiver Mecole Hardman, further surrounding Love with the tools to take another step forward. A healthy Jordan Love should have the tools to take the next step as Green Bay's signal caller in 2025. While it is uncertain what Love's season will bring, Jordan Wilson is not shy about making a bold prediction for the Packers' starting quarterback. Green Bay Packers QB Jordan Love (10) drops back to pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter in an NFC wild card game. © Bill Streicher-Imagn Images In an article featuring three bold predictions for Green Bay's 2025 season, Wilson stated that Jordan Love will be in the mix to fight for the league's MVP award. Advertisement "The discourse about Love's so-called regression in 2024 seems overblown. The 26-year-old had a less productive season than he did as a first-time starter in 2023, but he also sprained his left MCL in the season opener and continued to face limitations because of the injury even once he returned," Wilson wrote. "All told, Love still threw for 3,389 yards and 25 scores in 15 starts for the Packers while improving his QBR from 62.1 in 2023 to 69.3 in 2024." "What should elevate Love's game in 2025 — beyond having more experience as a starter — is the improvements the Packers have made to their offense," he added. "They signed Banks and drafted offensive tackle Anthony Belton to improve the protection unit in front of him. They also acquired two new talented rookie pass-catchers between Golden and TCU's Savion Williams, a third-round selection." Wilson also mentioned that the Packers need to avoid slippage at other positions for Love to thrive. That includes areas like the receiving corps, which can not afford to rank in the top five in drops again if Love is going to make a serious MVP push. "Love will still need to put in the extra work to ensure he is on the same page as his new teammates, but he has put some dazzlingly accurate throws on tape at all levels of the field," he wrote. "If the Packers can avoid slippage at other positions and Love can stay healthy, he will have a good chance to play his way into the MVP conversation in the months ahead." Advertisement Last season, Love posted a 3.4% turnover-worthy play rate under pressure—the second-best mark by a Packers quarterback in the past decade. Sure, his touchdown and passing numbers dipped, but that is normal when you miss two and a half games. Calling his 2024 campaign a regression feels like a stretch. If anything, he should have every opportunity to take a significant step forward this year. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
What big things did the Packers tell us this offseason?
The Green Bay Packers told us a lot this offseason -- both with words and action. Most importantly, this is a team that believes it is worthy of competing for championships right now. More specifically, general manager Brian Gutekunst made it clear he wanted to create big competitions to propel improvement at two important position groups on offense, and he's banking on internal improvement and a few unexpected additions to fuel the improvement at two important positions on defense. Advertisement Here are some big things the Packers told us this offseason: Demanding more at wide receiver The Packers wide receivers built incredible expectations entering the 2024 season but came up well short of meeting them. Drops and inconsistency were major issues. The Packers are returning everyone from the receiver room last year, but the depth chart is going to look different and competition will be fierce in 2025. That's what adding a three-time Super Bowl champion (Mecole Hardman), a first-round pick (Matthew Golden) and a third-round pick (Savion Williams) to a single position group will do. In a not-so-subtle way, the Packers are demanding more at a key position in the passing game. Even with Christian Watson still recovering, there is too much talent in the room for the Packers to deal with recurring problems at receiver in 2025. Collectively, they must be better. Not content along the offensive line The Packers had a top-10 offensive line during the 2024 season and could have easily stayed the course, but Gutekunst had other ideas. Instead of re-signing Josh Myers and keeping the same five starters, the Packers gave a big deal to left guard Aaron Banks, shifting Elgton Jenkins to center and possibly providing a big upgrade to the interior of the line. At tackle, the Packers are insisting on Jordan Morgan getting a shot to compete with Rasheed Walker at left tackle, and behemoth tackle Anthony Belton was picked in the second round to provide even more competition and depth. Considering Morgan missed all but six games of his rookie season, the Packers are essentially adding three new and talented pieces to what was already a very good offensive line in 2025. And Jenkins could be a big-time upgrade at center. Big games are so often won in the trenches, and the Packers weren't content with good up front on offense. Expecting improvement along the defensive front The Packers didn't make a big signing and then waited until Day 3 of the draft to add an edge rusher. The only big change? Firing defensive line coach Jason Rebrovich and replacing him with veteran assistant DeMarcus Covington, who might be the biggest addition to the defensive front of the offseason. Can he get more out of a talent group featuring Pro Bowlers Rashan Gary and Kenny Clark and first-round picks Devonte Wyatt and Lukas Van Ness? The Packers are banking on internal improvement created by Covington's ability to teach and develop what was already built at an important defensive position. To truly be a Super Bowl contender, the Packers must be more consistently disruptive against top quarterbacks. If Clark can rebound from a season-long foot injury, Wyatt can stay healthy for 17 games and Van Ness improves in a meaningful way, the defensive front will be a strength. Belief in top 3 cornerbacks Even with Jaire Alexander's future in limbo, the Packers kept confidence in Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine as legitimate starters at cornerback. The big addition of the offseason was Nate Hobbs, a multi-year starter for the Raiders who is expected to play inside and out for the Packers. Gutekunst had opportunities to add in the draft (although injuries played a big part in the evaluation of the top of the cornerback draft class) and didn't until the seventh round, and he's expressed confidence in Nixon, Valentine and Hobbs as his starting trio now that Alexander is in Baltimore. The Packers barely had Alexander on the field over the last two seasons, which provided a considerable evaluation of Nixon and Valentine as players. The Packers believe they can handle what is in front of them in 2025. It's a gamble for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: What big things did the Packers tell us this offseason?
USA Today
24-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
What big things did the Packers tell us this offseason?
The Green Bay Packers told us a lot this offseason -- both with words and action. Most importantly, this is a team that believes it is worthy of competing for championships right now. More specifically, general manager Brian Gutekunst made it clear he wanted to create big competitions to propel improvement at two important position groups on offense, and he's banking on internal improvement and a few unexpected additions to fuel the improvement at two important positions on defense. Here are some big things the Packers told us this offseason: Demanding more at wide receiver The Packers wide receivers built incredible expectations entering the 2024 season but came up well short of meeting them. Drops and inconsistency were major issues. The Packers are returning everyone from the receiver room last year, but the depth chart is going to look different and competition will be fierce in 2025. That's what adding a three-time Super Bowl champion (Mecole Hardman), a first-round pick (Matthew Golden) and a third-round pick (Savion Williams) to a single position group will do. In a not-so-subtle way, the Packers are demanding more at a key position in the passing game. Even with Christian Watson still recovering, there is too much talent in the room for the Packers to deal with recurring problems at receiver in 2025. Collectively, they must be better. Not content along the offensive line The Packers had a top-10 offensive line during the 2024 season and could have easily stayed the course, but Gutekunst had other ideas. Instead of re-signing Josh Myers and keeping the same five starters, the Packers gave a big deal to left guard Aaron Banks, shifting Elgton Jenkins to center and possibly providing a big upgrade to the interior of the line. At tackle, the Packers are insisting on Jordan Morgan getting a shot to compete with Rasheed Walker at left tackle, and behemoth tackle Anthony Belton was picked in the second round to provide even more competition and depth. Considering Morgan missed all but six games of his rookie season, the Packers are essentially adding three new and talented pieces to what was already a very good offensive line in 2025. And Jenkins could be a big-time upgrade at center. Big games are so often won in the trenches, and the Packers weren't content with good up front on offense. Expecting improvement along the defensive front The Packers didn't make a big signing and then waited until Day 3 of the draft to add an edge rusher. The only big change? Firing defensive line coach Jason Rebrovich and replacing him with veteran assistant DeMarcus Covington, who might be the biggest addition to the defensive front of the offseason. Can he get more out of a talent group featuring Pro Bowlers Rashan Gary and Kenny Clark and first-round picks Devonte Wyatt and Lukas Van Ness? The Packers are banking on internal improvement created by Covington's ability to teach and develop what was already built at an important defensive position. To truly be a Super Bowl contender, the Packers must be more consistently disruptive against top quarterbacks. If Clark can rebound from a season-long foot injury, Wyatt can stay healthy for 17 games and Van Ness improves in a meaningful way, the defensive front will be a strength. Belief in top 3 cornerbacks Even with Jaire Alexander's future in limbo, the Packers kept confidence in Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine as legitimate starters at cornerback. The big addition of the offseason was Nate Hobbs, a multi-year starter for the Raiders who is expected to play inside and out for the Packers. Gutekunst had opportunities to add in the draft (although injuries played a big part in the evaluation of the top of the cornerback draft class) and didn't until the seventh round, and he's expressed confidence in Nixon, Valentine and Hobbs as his starting trio now that Alexander is in Baltimore. The Packers barely had Alexander on the field over the last two seasons, which provided a considerable evaluation of Nixon and Valentine as players. The Packers believe they can handle what is in front of them in 2025. It's a gamble for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Packers Predicted To Keep Seven Wide Receivers On Final 53-Man Roster
Packers Predicted To Keep Seven Wide Receivers On Final 53-Man Roster originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Since Jordan Love became the Green Bay Packers starting quarterback in 2023, the team has never kept more than six wide receivers on the final 53-man roster. However, competition within the receiver room is expected to be higher compared to previous seasons as the team heads into training camp. Advertisement The Packers currently have 12 wide receivers on their roster: Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, Dontayvion Wicks, Jayden Reed, Matthew Golden, Savion Williams, Mecole Hardman, Bo Melton, Malik Heath, Julian Hicks, Cornelius Johnson, and Samuel Brown. However, it is plausible that only six will make the final 53-man roster. Barring injury, Doubs, Reed, Wicks, Golden, and Williams are most likely locked in, while Watson should begin the season on the PUP list. Still, Zone Coverage's Mitch Widmeier believes the Packers could stray from their usual approach and carry seven wide receivers into the regular season. Green Bay Packers wide receiver Savion Williams (83) participates in the team's minicamp at Ray Nitschke Field.© Benny Sieu-Imagn Images "Let's start with the obvious. Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Matthew Golden, and Savion Williams are locks. That's five spots swiped up. In this prediction, we also include Mecole Hardman and Bo Melton to get to seven," Widmeier wrote. Advertisement "Hardman was a standout in minicamp and gives the Packers a real option at punt returner and potentially kick returner. Green Bay preaches the importance of versatility, and now they can practice it by having seven wide receivers make the cut," he added. "Melton has been a key contributor on special teams for Rich Bisaccia and is now experimenting at cornerback and wide receiver." Widmeier also highlighted that although Melton's short trial at cornerback could be perceived as a final attempt to secure his place on the team, it might actually reflect the Packers' genuine interest in his versatility and overall skill set. "While some may see the cornerback flirtation as a last-gasp effort to keep him on the roster, let's view it as the Packers being enamored with everything he can possibly do, thus earning him a spot. Malik Heath ends up on the outside looking in here," he wrote. The Packers likely have five spots in the receiving corps already locked in, and if they stick with their usual approach of keeping only six wideouts, the final spot will likely come down to a battle between Bo Melton, Malik Heath, Mecole Hardman, Julian Hicks, Samuel Brown, and Cornelius Johnson. However, it is fair to assume that the competition will ultimately narrow to Melton, Heath, and Hardman. Related: Packers' $77 Million Free Agent Predicted To Be A Bust This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Mecole Hardman trade rumor heats up as Kansas City Chiefs target speed upgrade for Patrick Mahomes
A big move might be on the way for the Kansas City Chiefs. The team already has one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, Patrick Mahomes, and a head coach known for creative plays, Andy Reid. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now But now, with training camp getting closer, a possible trade between the Kansas City Chiefs and the New York Jets is making news. If it happens, the deal could bring in a fast, playmaking receiver. The talk around this trade is growing fast—but who's involved, and what does it mean for Kansas City Chiefs? Mecole Hardman could return to Kansas City Chiefs in surprise trade deal On June 17, 2025, NFL news outlets ESPN and Bleacher Report indicated that the Kansas City Chiefs were in talks with the New York Jets to acquire wide receiver Mecole Hardman, who played for the Kansas City Chiefs from 2019-2022 and joined the New York Jets in 2023. The Kansas City Chiefs re-signed Mecole Hardman for a few weeks with the team last season and may be looking to sign him once again for a larger role. Mecole Hardman is known for his speed and deep-threat ability. In his four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, he totaled over 2,000 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns. In 2024 with the New York Jets, he had fewer chances to play, catching just 25 passes for 290 yards. But with Mahomes Hardman looking for more help at wide receiver, the Kansas City Chiefs see Mecole Hardman as a good fit once again. Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid could gain much-needed help In February 2025 Patrick Mahomes led the Kansas City Chiefs to another Super Bowl victory but the offense struggled at times last year. With the veteran Travis Kelce aging and young receiving options still growing, the team flexibility with experienced alternatives. In a report by NFL Network on June 17, a source close to the team said, 'Mahomes wants more speed on the outside. Mecole Hardman already knows the system. It just makes sense.' Head coach Andy Reid has also praised Hardman in past interviews, calling him 'dangerous with the ball in space.' If this trade goes through, the Kansas City Chiefs' offense could become even more dangerous going into the 2025 season. Also Read:
