Marvin Harrison Jr., the highly regarded wide receiver from Ohio State, has made the surprising decision to skip the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine in order to focus on preparing for his rookie season in the NFL. This news was reported by Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated. While Harrison will still be present in Indianapolis for interviews, he will not be participating in any combine testing.
This announcement comes on the heels of another notable player, USC quarterback Caleb Williams, revealing that he will not be throwing or working out until his pro day. However, Williams will still be attending the combine to meet with teams. It seems that both players have chosen to prioritize their rookie seasons over the draft process.
According to Breer, Harrison has not yet hired an agent and has not been engaged in pre-combine training. Instead, he is solely focused on his first year in the NFL. This decision showcases Harrison’s confidence in his abilities and his desire to make an immediate impact at the professional level.
Harrison’s decision to skip the combine is unlikely to have a significant impact on the Arizona Cardinals’ draft plans. The Cardinals currently hold the fourth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and Harrison has been consistently linked to them in mock drafts. In fact, he is the top choice in 61 out of 96 mock drafts analyzed by the Arizona Sports Mock Draft Tracker.
If Harrison were to be selected by the Cardinals, it would be seen as a major success for the team. With quarterback Kyler Murray in need of a reliable No. 1 wide receiver, Harrison’s impressive statistics and strong work ethic make him an ideal candidate. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 202 pounds, Harrison has consistently put up impressive numbers during his time at Ohio State, recording over 1,210 yards and 14 touchdowns in each of his final two seasons.
The decision to skip the combine makes sense for Harrison, especially considering that other top receiver prospects, such as Washington’s Rome Odunze and LSU’s Malik Nabers, may not have a realistic chance of surpassing him on draft boards even if they participate in the combine. With the Cardinals’ current wide receiver lineup lacking star power, adding a player of Harrison’s caliber could greatly enhance their offensive capabilities.
In conclusion, Marvin Harrison Jr.’s choice to skip the NFL Scouting Combine in favor of focusing on his rookie season has raised eyebrows. However, it is a decision that highlights his confidence in his abilities and his determination to make an immediate impact in the NFL. With the Arizona Cardinals strongly considering him with the fourth overall pick, Harrison’s decision is unlikely to significantly alter their draft plans. Instead, it positions him as a potential game-changer for the team, providing quarterback Kyler Murray with a much-needed No. 1 wide receiver.