Elite WR Prospect Could Change Cardinals Future
ARIZONA -- The Arizona Cardinals will surely look to add some elite talent in the 2024 NFL Draft, though there's one name that's a recurring point of emphasis for fans when projecting forward: Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr.
Harrison is considered a borderline generational wideout due to his size (6-4), speed (projected 4.3 40-yard dash) and freakish ability to do nearly everything at a high level.
Rarely does a receiver come in and immediately propel their new team to different heights - is Harrison capable of doing that in the desert?
The Athletic recently went through the 2024 NFL Draft order - where the Cardinals are currently slated to pick No. 2 - and pondered that very question.
"As has been discussed and will continue to be discussed, the Cardinals could have a Kyler Murray decision to make this offseason. The 26-year-old quarterback still has five years left on his $220 million contract (although any guaranteed money runs out before that fifth year, 2028). Arizona, meanwhile, is projected to land at No. 2 in April’s draft and also holds Houston’s first-round slot (projected at No. 23), courtesy of a ’23 draft trade.
"That’s a perfect setup to nab a QB (Caleb Williams or Drake Maye), then come back later in Round 1 to find another plug-and-play starter who can help accelerate a rebuild. Except … well, which plan gives this franchise more hope? Williams/Maye plus whatever comes later in Round 1? Or Murray plus Marvin Harrison Jr. — and maybe a little sweetener from trading down to No. 3?
"Harrison is elite, full stop. Our draft guru, Dane Brugler, called him 'the best wide receiver prospect that I have evaluated over the last decade.' He’d help shift that Arizona offense for the better, probably more quickly than any incoming QB could."
Plenty of time exists between now and draft day, but it's hard to imagine the Cardinals pass on Harrison if they're still around the No. 2 or 3 pick.
