Who is going to be the Kansas City Chiefs #2 WR?
The Kansas City Chiefs and Sammy Watkins finally parted ways this past off-season. After three seasons, one Superbowl win, and countless injuries, Lizard has left the Arrowhead Stadium.
With the departure, a new permanent role has opened up on the coveted Chiefs offensive system. The WR2 role. To become the 3rd option on an offense with the talented Patrick Mahomes is a dream for most NFL players. Yes, Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill are the 1A/1B in the Chiefs offense. Yet, last year the Chiefs still had 350 pass attempts that were not directed towards Kelce or Hill. Yes, running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire will get some. However, Sammy Watkins had 55 targets in only 9 games last year as the WR2. That averages out to 6.1 per game and rounds out to 104 targets if he had played all 17 games. Don’t forget that the NFL is expanding to 17 games. 104 targets from Mahomes is plenty to do some damage!
Mecole Hardman breakout szn đ
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— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) July 15, 2021
Is Mecole Hardman Next Man Up?
We can say that with Watkins gone, there’s roughly a 100 targets available if we average out the whole season. The Chiefs did not go out and sign any WR’s. Instead, they kept the guys they already had. The list of which includes Mecole Hardman, Demarcus Robinson, Byron Pringle, and Cornell Powell.
Mecole Hardman was selected in the 2nd round by the Chiefs in 2019. He has blistering speed and is in the mold of a knock-off Tyreek Hill. However, that isn’t saying anything bad about Mecole. He runs fast, catches the ball, and can beat the secondary. He runs routes well but could work a bit on his hands. Demarcus Robinson has been with the Chiefs for 6 years now. He still hasn’t shown anything other than the occasional blow-up game. Mecole fits Andy Reid’s brand of fast, downfield, up-tempo offense. Mecole has followed Tyreek Hill’s progression of starting out as the main returner for the Chiefs to becoming the WR1 for them. Now I am not saying Mecole is the next Tyreek. What I am saying is that the Chiefs have a passion for receivers in Hill’s mold. Pringle is a slot WR and Powell just got drafted in the later rounds. In the last Super Bowl between the Chiefs and Bucs, Mecole got 6 targets, 3rd highest among the WR/TEs. Mecole has been receiving praise this off-season for how much he has progressed as a receiver. When your teammates see you have gotten better, you’re gonna play more.
Mecole Hardman flashes on the first day of camp, beating Deandre Baker deep for a reception from Patrick Mahomes. pic.twitter.com/MZ1xftABNB
— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) July 28, 2021
Hardman 2021 Forecast + Added Bonus
Hardman has been an elite returner, making the Pro Bowl his rookie year thanks to his skill set. He averages 24+ yards per kick return. If your fantasy league has return yardage points, he’s a player to target. Knowing he runs fast, he averages 16+ yards per reception. Last year, he came down to just over 13 yards per reception, still a great number.
With more experience, targets, and playing time, Hardman could be one of the next great deep-threats in the NFL. Having a QB who can throw deep like it is nothing and Tyreek on the other side demanding attention will allow many opportunities for Mecole to get open downfield. The chances that the Chiefs sign another WR before the season are slim to none.
In my opinion, Mecole will take the role of WR2 from Sammy Watkins. He’ll combine his 62 targets from last year and Sammy’s 55 from the games played and combine them this year. I predict Mecole is a sleeper that you could get in start-up dynasty drafts in the 15th round or so. In redraft, look for him in the 12th round and get a valuable flex player that you can leave in every week. He might even win you some weeks for when he gets those deep touchdowns.
Check out FantasyData’s season projections for Mecole Hardman here
May the Force be with You…
