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Marvin Harrison Jr.

Marvin Harrison Jr. Player Profile

Summary

Marvin Harrison Jr. was selected 4th overall in the 1st round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. Buckeye Huddle He played college football at Ohio State, where over three seasons he amassed 155 receptions, 2,613 yards, and 31 touchdowns — ranking among the school’s best in all those categories. Buckeye Huddle He won the 2023 Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top receiver and was a Heisman Trophy finalist that same year. On3+1 Known for his rare combination of size (6′3–6′4, ~209 lb NFL Draft Buzz), length, and explosive athleticism, Harrison Jr. pairs elite route-running with big-play ability and body control. He has drawn favorable comparisons to his Hall of Fame father, Marvin Harrison Sr., but is already showing a distinct, modern receiver profile. ESPN.com

Strengths

  • Prototypical Size & Length: At 6′4″ (or near), he gives defenses serious trouble with his frame. CBS Sports

  • Explosive Mover: Super quick, with long, fast strides that allow him to stack defensive backs and break separation. PFSN

  • Polished Route Running: He has an advanced route tree; understands how to manipulate leverage, use fakes, and work off coverage. CBS Sports

  • Body Control & Catching in Traffic: Can contort, use his length, and adjust to make difficult catches — especially on 50/50 balls. PFSN

  • Hands & Ball Skills: Soft, reliable hands; he tracks the ball well and makes contested catches. PFSN

  • Release Variety: Has a full set of releases (split, diamond, foot-fire, etc.), plus agility to fakes and using his frame to his advantage. PFSN

  • Yards After Catch (YAC) Threat: Uses his length, foot speed, and balance to generate big gains after the catch. PFSN

  • Blocking Willingness: Despite being a WR, his size and competitiveness show in his willingness to block when asked. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Athletic Pedigree & Character: Son of Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison, but he’s built his own identity — smart, competitive, and mature. On3

Weaknesses

  • Speed Translation Questions: While explosive, some scouts feel he doesn’t always reach his “rumored” top-end speed at the next level. PFSN

  • Contact After Catch: Can be brought down too easily on first contact; doesn’t always break tackles in the open field as effectively. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Ball Security: There have been notes on his ball security post-catch; some risk of fumbling when tackled. PFSN

  • Route Stem Mechanics: Occasionally starts routes too tall or upright, which could limit his footwork in tight spaces. PFSN

  • Physical Build: At ~209 lbs, he’s not an especially heavy WR; may need to add functional strength to sustain in pro-level press or contested situations. Last Word On Sports

  • Blocking Consistency: While he’ll block, his technique and leverage in prolonged blocks could use refinement. PFSN

Fit & Outlook

  • Fit:
    Marvin Harrison Jr. is a perfect fit for an offense that wants a vertical, big-bodied receiver who can win outside and stretch the field, but also be utilized in intermediate routes and contested situations. He can be aligned outside, in the slot, or motioned — his route-running and body control make him a mismatch against a variety of defensive backs. He also brings value in red-zone packages because of his size, catch radius, and contested-catch ability.

  • Outlook:
    Harrison Jr. projects as a future No. 1 wide receiver in the NFL. Given his physical tools, technical skill, and football IQ, he has all the makings of a high-impact pass-catcher who can dominate for years. While he may need to add strength and polish his route stems, his ceiling is extremely high — potentially an All-Pro-caliber receiver. If he stays healthy and continues to refine his game, he could become one of the “go-to” receivers on his team and a central piece of the Cardinals’ offense for the long haul.