2024 NFL Draft: Rome Odunze, Malik Nabers jockey for position behind Marvin Harrison Jr. — updated WR rankings
By Hunter Haas
2024 NFL Draft Tier 1 (WRs) — Marvin Harrison Jr. Stands Alone, For Now…
WR1 — Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
2023 Stats: 67 receptions, 1,211 receiving yards, 14 touchdowns, 43.3% contested catch rate (13/30)
2024 NFL Draft Grade: Top 1 (No. 1 Overall)
No surprise here, although the second tier is closer to No. 1 than most care to admit. Marvin Harrison Jr. is the best overall wide receiver prospect in at least the past half-decade. He stands at an impressive 6-foot-4, weighs 205 pounds, and features the same teach tape route running that his Hall of Fame father put on display for 13 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts.
Going further, Harrison Jr. flexes elite hands on tape and possesses remarkable body control in contested catch situations. He’s a master at getting down in bounds, oftentimes even getting two feet in rather than the one foot required in college. The Ohio State star isn’t the fastest player in the world, but his top speed is still plenty, and he’s surprisingly shifty with the ball in tow. MHJ was a primary kick returner as a true freshman, too.
Currently, Harrison Jr. is the No. 1 overall player on NFLMocks’ Big Board. He has virtually zero holes in his NFL Draft profile and has every right to be the first player taken next April. Quarterbacks, pass rushers, and offensive tackles typically come off the board earlier than wide receivers, but MHJ could be the rare exception at the 2024 NFL Draft.