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The Arizona Cardinals Opt for Marvin Harrison Jr. With Fourth Overall Pick
The Arizona Cardinals made a significant move during the NFL draft by selecting receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. with the No. 4 overall pick. They have high hopes that the standout from Ohio State University will become the team’s primary playmaker to support quarterback Kyler Murray.
Standing at an imposing 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 205 pounds, Harrison Jr. has been likened to Larry Fitzgerald, a legendary player in the Cardinals’ history. Fitzgerald amassed over 17,000 yards receiving across 17 seasons before retiring in 2020.
Harrison Jr. not only brings his talent to the Cardinals but also carries an impressive lineage. He is the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison, though larger in stature than his father, showcasing a rare blend of size, speed, and athleticism. His final season with the Buckeyes saw him record 67 catches for 1,211 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Arizona’s Strategic Draft Positioning
In the draft, Arizona found themselves in a favorable position to secure one of the top non-quarterbacks available. With the teams holding the first three picks all in need of quarterbacks, the Cardinals took advantage of their strong quarterback in Murray, who is under a lucrative $230.5 million, five-year contract, potentially keeping him with the team through 2028.
Choosing Harrison Jr. at No. 4 marked the beginning of a pivotal draft for the Cardinals, who had an additional 10 picks over the ensuing three days, including the No. 27 overall selection on the same night. The Cardinals have posted a 4-13 record in each of the past two seasons, making this draft crucial for the team’s future success.
General manager Monti Ossenfort opted to utilize the No. 4 pick instead of trading down for more draft choices. This was a deviation from the approach taken in Ossenfort’s first season with the Cardinals, where they initially held the No. 3 overall pick but engaged in multiple trades on draft night, eventually settling on the No. 6 pick to select offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr., who started every game at right tackle last season.
Impact and Expectations
Harrison Jr. is expected to have an immediate impact, especially given the Cardinals’ current lack of premier receivers. While tight end Trey McBride had a breakout season in 2023 with 825 yards receiving and three touchdowns, rookie Michael Wilson also showed promise with 565 yards receiving.
With the top receiver position open for competition, the Cardinals are eager for Harrison Jr. to step up and claim that pivotal role within the team. The young Ohio State star brings not only a rich heritage but also a promising future as the Cardinals look to improve their performance in the coming seasons.
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