Who Should I Start? Mecole Hardman or Keandre Lambert-Smith

Tuesday, March 18, 9:06 PM

Free-agent wide receiver/return specialist Mecole Hardman (knee) is signing an undisclosed one-year deal with the Green Bay Packers on Tuesday, a source tells ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Hardman will take his speed to the Packers while contributing both on offense and special teams as a kick returner. The 27-year-old former second-rounder (56th overall) by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2019 out of the University of Georgia caught only 12 of 14 targets for 90 yards and no touchdowns while carrying the ball five times for 62 yards and a touchdown in 12 regular-season games before suffering a knee injury in December that landed him on Injured Reserve. The Packers could use the receiver depth with Christian Watson (knee) likely to miss around half of the 2025 season, but Hardman could struggle for consistent involvement in Green Bay's offense, much like he did in KC, behind Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs.

Friday, July 25, 10:58 PM

According to Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh, wide receiver Keandre Lambert-Smith is "surging" due to his recent performances at training camp. The rookie, who was the No. 158 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, finished his final collegiate season at Auburn by amassing 50 receptions for 981 yards and eight touchdowns. So far, things have gone well at the professional level, with Lambert-Smith seemingly already on his way to building a positive on-field relationship with quarterback Justin Herbert. Without question, Ladd McConkey remains the top wideout on the roster. However, the No. 2 spot may be up for grabs. While there is still time before Week 1, Lambert-Smith could find himself receiving semi-regular attention from Herbert throughout the 2025 campaign, even if he is unable to surpass Quentin Johnston and second-round selection Tre Harris on the depth chart. Fantasy managers should monitor this situation. For now, Lambert-Smith may not draw consideration from fantasy managers drafting in most redraft formats, although his dynasty stock appears to be on the rise.