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Mecole Hardman’s Offensive Rookie of the Year Odds Take Minor Hit After NFL Announces Tyreek Hill Won’t be Suspended

Ryan Bolta

by Ryan Bolta in NFL Football

Updated Apr 7, 2020 · 10:23 AM PDT

Mecole Hardman's OROY chances took a hit with the news Chiefs teammate Tyreek Hill would not be suspended to start the season. Photo from @ESPNStatsInfo (Twitter).
  • Chiefs WR Tyreek Hill will not be suspended by the NFL for child abuse
  • Hill being available for the season opener for Kansas City will result in less targets for WR Mecole Hardman
  • QB Kyler Murray is the favorite to win the award but QB Dwayne Haskins and WR N’Keal Harry are better value picks

To the surprise of many Chiefs WR Tyreek Hill will not be suspended after the NFL concluded they did not have evidence of child abuse.  This news has caused a ripple effect, with fellow WR Mecole Hardman pushed down the depth chart.

Offensive Rookie of the Year Odds

Player Odds
Kyler Murray +160
Dwayne Haskins +700
Darrell Henderson +700
Josh Jacobs +800
David Montgomery +1400
Deebo Samuel +1600
Mecole Hardman +1800
N’Keal Harry +2000

*Odds taken 07/19/19

Winning the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year is all about opportunity.  Hardman is sure to put up numbers catching passes from an elite play maker in Patrick Mahomes, but he undoubtedly will get less targets with Hill in the mix.  With that in mind, I’m fading the Chiefs freshman.  Here are two other choices I like that are paying high value when considering the opportunities they could see.

Can Haskins Win Starting Job in Washington?

When Alex Smith went down with his gruesome injury many wondered who would be the savior under center for the Redskins. The resounding answer to that question appears to be their first round pick out of Ohio State Dwayne Haskins. In his lone season as the starter for the Buckeyes, he threw for 4,831 yards with 50 touchdowns and only 8 interceptions. He is an elite, accurate thrower of the football and the type of QB that could contribute from day one.

The cause for concern? He’s in a QB battle with Case Keenum and Colt McCoy. Long term there’s little question Haskins is the future, but will the Redskins start him early enough to give him enough opportunity to win Rookie of the Year? I think it’s worth an investment in his ability considering he’s paying +700 but if you’re less inclined to gamble, watch the competition and should the rookie win it jump in before the price moves significantly.

Harry a Dark Horse Worthy of Consideration

Many around the league were surprised when the New England Patriots used their first round pick on N’Keal Harry from Arizona State. The surprise wasn’t because of a lack of talent, but rather the Patriots reluctance to spend high picks on receivers in the past. Well, Harry is the exception for two very good reasons.

The first, his top end skill was too good to pass up. He had over 1,000 yards receiving each of the last two seasons while putting up a combined 17 TD.  The other reason? The Patriots were desperate for a skilled wide out who could help Tom Brady when it matters most. With Rob Gronkowski retired and little else in the way of weaponry, Harry is a great fit and will be a much needed option right out of the gate. Betting on a receiver who will see plenty of targets from the best QB ever at +2000? Sounds like your first great bet of the football season to me.

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