Who Should I Start? Mecole Hardman or Xavier Restrepo

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.

Tuesday, May 13, 2:37 PM

Rookie wide receiver Xavier Restrepo signed with the Tennessee Titans after going unselected in the 2025 NFL Draft, and he has reportedly had a strong start to practice. The 23-year-old was quarterback Cam Ward's No. 1 wide receiver last season at Miami and tallied 69 receptions for 1,127 yards and 11 touchdowns. His chemistry with Ward has been evident early, and he's looked like the best rookie wide receiver on the field, but Titans insider Easton Freeze writes, "it's still an uphill climb" for Restrepo to make the team's 53-man roster. "He was a UDFA, not a 4th-round pick like Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor," Freeze wrote. "He's situated to shine this time of year, with a practice-friendly skillset and built-in chemistry with Cam Ward. And his biggest obstacle to making this team is his lack of versatility as a slot-only receiver who doesn't offer much on special teams." While Restrepo is gaining buzz as a potential undrafted steal, expectations should continue to be tempered, as he has a lot working against him.