There is a consensus best wide receiver in every NFL draft. But no rookie prospect has a father who was a Top-5 receiver in NFL history. To say that expectations are high is an understatement.
In high school, Harrison helped St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia to win three consecutive state championships while setting career receiving yardage (2,625) and touchdown (37) records for the Philadelphia Catholic League. He left as a four-star prospect and was heavily recruited as one of the top receivers entering college in 2021. He selected Ohio State over his father’s alma mater Syracuse.
Harrison was little used as a freshman, playing behind Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Chris Olave. With Wilson and Olave opting out of the Rose Bowl before entering the NFL draft, Harrison’s first start resulted in six catches for 71 yards and three touchdowns to help win the game.
As a sophomore, he became the primary wideout and recorded two straight 1,200-yard seasons with 14 touchdowns in each. Harrison played with C.J. Stroud in 2022 and recorded his career-best marks in catches, yards, and touchdowns. Harrison was considered the best wideout in college last year and won the 2023 Fred Biletnikoff Award as the best receiver in the NCAA.
Height: 6-3
Weight: 209 pounds
40 time: 4.3ish estimated
Harrison attended the NFL Combine and was measured but declined to participate in any drills. He had nothing to win by doing them. Harrison is not considered a burner per se, but then again, he recorded a 22.2 mph touchdown catch versus Youngstown State. That matches up with D.K. Metcalf’s 22.23 mph as the NFL’s fastest play for last year. There’s no concern about any physical attribute or measurement for the future star.
Marvin Harrison Jr. stats (2020-23)
| Year | School | Games | Catch | Yards | Avg. | TD | Rush | Yards | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Ohio State | 13 | 11 | 139 | 12.6 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | Ohio State | 13 | 77 | 1263 | 16.4 | 14 | 2 | 32 | 0 |
| 2023 | Ohio State | 12 | 67 | 1211 | 18.1 | 14 | 2 | 26 | 1 |
Pros
- Best college receiver for the last two years
- Versatile and played on outside and in slot
- Hall-of-Fame genetics at play
- Elite hands and body control win on contested catches, deep routes, and over-the-middle receptions
- High production came despite constant double teams and press coverage by defense
- Rare combination of speed and a 6-3 frame
- Tremendous instincts on all aspects of getting open and catching the ball
- Knows how to influence defensive backs to break free and optimize positioning for the catch
- Solid blocker
Cons
- Doesn’t break many tackles despite size and strength
- Disappointed when did not workout at NFL Combine or the Ohio State Pro Day
- Some ball security concerns
Fantasy outlook
While a few believe Malik Nabers should be the first wideout taken, the majority of analysts and scouts expect Harrison to be the first selected, likely the fourth-overall after the Top-3 quarterbacks are selected. He is a lock for the Top-5 by all accounts and will be drafted by a team looking for an immediate difference-maker. Likely the Arizona Cardinals who currently hold the No. 4 pick, or the Los Angeles Chargers who pick at No. 5.
There is always a chance of a trade. Unless some team moves up to grab him or a different player which slides him back, Harrison should be paired with either Kyler Murray or Justin Herbert and either case bodes well for the rookie since both teams have a glaring need at wideout and above average-quarterbacks who are in their first or second year of a new offense.
Harrison is as hyped as any wideout in recent memory, boosted not only by the production of the last two seasons but also with his bloodlines. He’ll be an exciting pick in a fantasy football redraft league and an expensive acquisition in a dynasty league.
