Jets Want To Expand Mecole Hardman's Route Tree

Wide receiver Mecole Hardman signed with the New York Jets in free agency this offseason, in part because they promised he'd be able to expand his route tree in their offense. Hardman was used at the line of scrimmage on jet sweeps and bubble screens and on vertical routes, but not much in between. The Jets think he has untapped ability on intermediate routes. The 25-year-old wideout played in just eight games with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022 due to a core-muscle injury that required surgery. However, he's hoping to be ready for organized team activities and should be good to go for Week 1 in 2023. The former second-rounder will have to fight for targets among Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard and Corey Davis, but if he has a bigger role and is working with Aaron Rodgers, he'll have some intrigue as a late-round target.