Cardinals Shouldn’t Have Any Regrets About Drafting Marvin Harrison Jr.
The 2024 NFL Draft saw the Arizona Cardinals make Marvin Harrison Jr. their prized selection at No. 4 overall, a move widely celebrated as the acquisition of a true No. 1 receiver for quarterback Kyler Murray.1 Now, just a year removed from that decision, some voices are suggesting the Cardinals might have regrets, particularly with the standout rookie season of Malik Nabers, who the New York Giants selected two picks later.2 However, such hindsight-fueled critiques fail to fully appreciate the Cardinals’ situation and the undeniable talent that Harrison Jr. brings to the table.
While Nabers enjoyed a Pro Bowl-caliber rookie campaign with the Giants, it’s crucial to consider the context of each player’s landing spot. Nabers stepped into a Giants’ offense desperately lacking receiving talent, immediately becoming the focal point. Harrison Jr., on the other hand, joined a Cardinals team that, while needing a top receiver, also features a rising star in tight end Trey McBride and a coaching staff committed to a balanced offensive approach.
Harrison Jr.’s Solid Rookie Season:
To say Harrison Jr.’s rookie season was underwhelming is a disservice to his performance. He finished the year with a respectable 62 receptions for 885 yards and led the team with eight touchdowns.3 These numbers are even more impressive considering the Cardinals’ offensive philosophy, which leaned towards establishing the run. He quickly became a reliable red-zone target for Murray and demonstrated the ability to win both deep and intermediate routes.
The Long-Term Vision:
The Cardinals’ decision to draft Harrison Jr. wasn’t solely based on immediate production; it was an investment in the team’s long-term future. He possesses an elite blend of size, speed, and technical skills that made him the consensus top receiver in his draft class for a reason. His pedigree as the son of Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison Sr. further underscores his potential for sustained success in the league.
Coaching Staff Still Believes:
Both Cardinals Head Coach Jonathan Gannon and General Manager Monti Ossenfort have publicly expressed their excitement about Harrison Jr.’s trajectory. They acknowledge the high expectations placed upon a top-five pick but also recognize the growth and development that typically occurs between a player’s rookie and sophomore seasons. The coaching staff has emphasized their commitment to working with Harrison Jr. to help him reach his immense ceiling.
Nabers’ Success Doesn’t Diminish Harrison’s Potential:
The fact that Nabers had a statistically superior rookie season doesn’t automatically mean the Cardinals made the wrong choice. Different players thrive in different environments. Nabers was the undisputed primary target in New York, while Harrison Jr. had to compete for targets within a developing Cardinals offense. It’s entirely plausible that with continued development and a further evolving offense in Arizona, Harrison Jr. will showcase the dominant receiver potential that made him such a highly touted prospect.
Looking Ahead to 2025:
As the Cardinals head into the 2025 season, they should feel nothing but optimism about Marvin Harrison Jr.’s future. He has a full year of NFL experience under his belt, a stronger rapport with Kyler Murray, and a coaching staff dedicated to his growth. To suggest the Cardinals have regrets after one season, especially considering Harrison Jr.’s solid contributions and immense potential, is premature and overlooks the bigger picture. The Cardinals made a calculated and intelligent decision by drafting Marvin Harrison Jr., and all signs point towards that being a cornerstone of their franchise for years to come.