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Report: Multiple NFL teams coveted UGA star Mecole Hardman in Round 2 of the NFL draft

The uncertainty surrounding Chiefs superstar Tyreek Hill may unwittingly vault Hardman into a starting role with the Super Bowl contenders.

11Alive Sports couldn't have asked for a greater right time/right place scenario on Friday night, getting an exclusive look at Mecole Hardman's visceral reaction to being drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs.

Turns out, the speedy UGA wideout would have been covered on Day 2 of the NFL draft, even if Kansas City hadn't traded up to grab Hardman.

WATCH MECOLE HARDMAN'S LIVE DRAFT CALL

How so? Check out this fascinating twist:

According to the New York Daily News, the Jets were set to trade up to the 57th overall slot (Round 2), as a means of selecting Hardman, who rolled for 35 catches, 543 yards and seven touchdowns last year

However, the deal became moot ... once the Chiefs stealthily traded with the Rams for the second round, inching up to the No. 56 slot.

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Georgia fans could debate the merits of Hardman playing for Kansas City or New York. 

But it's also interesting to see how a pair of AFC teams essentially coveted Hardman at the same spot ... presumably without knowing the other teams' targeted interest.

The Jets' lost gamble has quickly become the Chiefs' fortuitous bounce. 

With superstar receiver Tyreek Hill a likely suspension candidate within the next few months - perhaps for the entire 2019 campaign - Hardman could be pressed into heavy active duty with the Chiefs, as they attempt to rebuild an all-world offense that could look dramatically different, compared to last season.

Last week, Hill and his girlfriend were secretly recorded allegedly plotting ways to lie about the injuries to their 3-year-old son, as a means of avoiding questioning from Kansas City police and diverting attention from the claims of possible child abuse

This incident comes six months after the Chiefs dumped Kareem Hunt, who was captured on video striking, pushing and kicking an unidentified woman during a 2018 dispute at a Cleveland-area hotel.

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