Mecole Hardman Opens as a Top 5 Contender for 2019 NFL OROY After Being Drafted by Chiefs

• Kansas City Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman a top-five contender for the 2019 NFL OROY Award
• Hardman was selected 56th overall out of Georgia by the Chiefs in the 2019 NFL Draft
• Chiefs WR Tyreek Hill could face NFL discipline over child abuse accusations

With Tyreek HIll’s future uncertain, there appears to be a  bright future ahead for Mecole Hardman. The Kansas City Chiefs selected wide receiver Hardman 56th overall out of Georgia in last week’s NFL Draft.

We have selected WR Mecole Hardman with the #56 overall pick!#ChiefsKingdom | #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/89mKQP71Ml

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) April 27, 2019

Hill was Kansas City’s top receiver last season. He finished fourth in the NFL in receiving yardage (1479), touchdown catches (12), and yards per catch (17.0). But he could be looking at an NFL-issued suspension. Hill is currently being investigated on child abuse accusations.

With Hill’s future uncertain, it figures that Hardman will benefit most. He could become a much more significant factor in Kansas City’s offense. Due to these developments, Hardman has risen quickly in the Offensive Rookie of the Year odds.

2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Odds

*Odds taken on 04/30/19.

The last wide receiver to be named NFL OROY was Odell Beckham Jr. of the New York Giants in 2013. Only three receivers have won the award since 2004, just four since 1999, and five since 1986.

A Hill Too Far

The criminal investigation into child abuse allegations against Hill and his fiancée Crystal Espinal were reopened after an audio tape surfaced of the two discussing alleged abuse of their three-year-old son.

Step 1. Listen the the audio.
Step 2. Release Tyreek Hill.
Step 3. Tell the press you are releasing Tyreek Hill. https://t.co/bayYR4l7RP

— Sage Rosenfels (@SageRosenfels18) April 26, 2019

There are reports that the NFL may place Hill on the Commissioner’s Exempt List, an action that is rarely taken during the offseason. The move would ban Hill until the matter is resolved, usually with league discipline following the conclusion of any legal action.

The #Chiefs select #Georgia WR Mecole Hardman in the second round at No. 56. With Tyreek Hill’s status very much up in the air — from a football standpoint — it fills a need.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 27, 2019

It’s not Hill’s first brush with the law. A year before he was drafted by the Chiefs in 2015, Hill pleaded guilty to domestic assault stemming from an incident where he punched and kicked his then-pregnant girlfriend.

“At some point, draw the damn line and say enough is enough.”

–@espngolic gets emotional over Tyreek Hill audio and wants NFL owners to take a stand. pic.twitter.com/btCMjeeRZe

— Golic and Wingo (@GolicAndWingo) April 26, 2019

Hill has been suspended from all team-related activities. Last season, the Chiefs released running back Kareem Hunt after video surfaced of him assaulting a woman.

Door Open for Hardman?

The circumstances are not ideal, but the opportunity is most clearly knocking for Hardman to immediately step into a major role with the team that was no. 3 in the NFL in passing yardage (4,955) last season.

“He learns quick and he’ll be on the field early.” Brett Veach on Mecole Hardman pic.twitter.com/RuarCl6sew

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) April 27, 2019

History, though, is not on Hardman’s side. Receivers rarely get the nod for NFL OROY. It’s simple math. Running backs and quarterbacks get more touches of the ball and therefore, more chance to make an impact.

New Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman has seen an 85.2 passer rating when targeted since 2017 pic.twitter.com/n8bxTajbTD

— PFF (@PFF) April 27, 2019

QB Kyler Murray (Cardinals) and RB Josh Jacobs (Raiders) both figure to step right into the starting lineup as well.

Murray’s ability as a double threat will dominate the highlight reels and makes him the NFL OROY favorite.

Pick: Kyler Murray (+250)