Marvin Harrison Jr. projected as top-5 pick in ESPN's latest mock draft
Marvin Harrison Jr. has not revealed his intentions for the 2024 season yet, but Ohio State’s Biletnikoff Award winner is still a major prospect for the NFL Draft.
This past season, Harrison was a major big-play threat with a career-high 18.1 yards per catch while going for 1,211 yards and 15 total touchdowns. After back-to-back seasons with 1,200 yards and 14 receiving touchdowns, Harrison looks the part of a game-breaking receiver at the next level.
On Wednesday, ESPN’s Jordan Reid released an updated mock for the 2024 Draft. He currently projects Harrison as the No. 4 overall pick for the Arizona Cardinals.
If that scenario plays out, Harrison would be the first receiver selected in Reid’s mock with a string of quarterbacks going in the first three picks. That group consists of Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels.
Here is what Reid had to say about Harrison at No. 4:
If we were playing a game of matchmaker, the prospect-to-team fit that makes the most sense of any first-round pick is Harrison to the Cardinals. Quarterback Kyler Murray won’t hesitate to throw the ball up to his receivers in one-on-one situations, and Harrison — my top-ranked player in this class — is exactly what’s needed on a roster that’s still devoid of high-end talent. Plus, Marquise Brown is a free agent and might not be back.
Harrison’s combination of hands, body control and route running make him the clear best receiver in a loaded group, and he has a chance to quickly become a top-10 target at the next level. He is coming off back-to-back seasons with 14 touchdowns and more than 1,200 yards at Ohio State.
Impact of Marvin Harrison’s potential departure on Ohio State
There’s no denying Harrison moving to the NFL would create a void in the Buckeye offense, particularly with starting QB Kyle McCord transferring to Syracuse. Veteran WR Julian Fleming is also transferring to Penn State.
The good news is that receiver is the one spot where Ohio State should be well-positioned no matter what. Jeremiah Smith, a 5-star recruit and the nation’s No. 1 player, signed with the Buckeyes this cycle while Carnell Tate, Brandon Inniss and a number of players stand ready to break out.