What was Marvin Harrison Jr.'s 40 time at NFL Combine?
By Ryan Heckman
With all eyes on this year's class, the big names are taking the field at the 2024 NFL Combine. Prospects like Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Malik Nabers, Brock Bowers among others will be in attendance for scouts, executives and coaches to check out.
One huge name in particular, though, is not attending this year's Combine. Ohio State standout wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. will be skipping the Combine altogether and doing things a bit differently.
In fact, not only is Harrison skipping the Combine, he's also not likely to work out at a Pro Day, nor is he hiring an agent.
Marvin Harrison Jr, likely the Draft’s Top WR, will do it differently. No agent. No testing at the Combine. Probably not at Pro Day. https://t.co/6gHntSYTgn
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 26, 2024
That leaves fans without this year's top wide receiver prospect to watch when it comes time for drills, and there's drill that's more hyped-up than the 40-yard dash.
Without Harrison partaking in the 40, we can still try and compare his speed to fellow wide receivers in his class. Last fall, Harrison told The Athletic that he planned to run somewhere in the high 4.3's. So, with that in mind, let's do a little comparison, shall we?
Marvin Harrison Jr.'s projected 40 time compared to fellow 2024 wide receiver prospects
Here’s how the fastest 40-times at the NFL Combine among wide receivers stacked up:
Player | Time |
|---|---|
AD Mitchell (Texas) | 4.34 |
Jacob Cowing (Arizona) | 4.38 |
Anthony Gould (Oregon State) | 4.39 |
Ladd McConkey (Georgia) | 4.39 |
Xavier Legette (South Carolina) | 4.39 |
As you can see, in this stacked wide receiver class, Harrison's speed still holds up extremely well. And, when you take into consideration his wildy diverse skill set, it's easy to see why he's going to be the first wide receiver taken in the draft. No disrespect to guys like Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze, but Harrison is simply in a league of his own.
How would Marvin Harrison Jr.'s 40 time stack up against wide receivers in NFL history?
Player | 40-yard dash time (year) |
|---|---|
1. John Ross | 4.22 (2017) |
2. Jerome Mathis | 4.26 (2005) |
T3. Marquise Goodwin | 4.27 (2013) |
T3. Henry Ruggs | 4.27 (2020) |
T3. Tyrone Calico | 4.27 (2003) |
T6. Jacoby Ford | 4.28 (2010) |
T6. J.J. Nelson | 4.28 (2015) |
T6. Tyquan Thornton | 4.28 (2022) |
T9. Yamon Figurs | 4.30 (2007) |
T9. Derrius Heyward-Bey | 4.30 (2009) |
*Above data via NFL.com and USA Today Sports
How about where Harrison would stack up with the all-time fastest 40-yard dash numbers?
Fastest 40-yard dash times in NFL history
Player | 40-yard dash time (year) |
|---|---|
1. John Ross, WR | 4.22 (2017) |
T1. Donte' Stallworth, WR | 4.22 (2002) |
3. Kalon Barnes, CB | 4.23 (2022) |
4. Chris Johnson, RB | 4.24 (2008) |
5. DJ Turner II, CB | 4.26 (2023) |
T5. Dri Archer, WR | 4.26 (2014) |
T5. Tariq Woolen, CB | 4.26 (2022) |
8. Henry Ruggs III, WR | 4.27 (2020) |
T8. Anthony Schwartz, WR | 4.27 (2021) |
T8. Marquise Goodwin, WR | 4.27 (2013) |
Whether or not Harrison tested at the Combine or even at a Pro Day in the future shouldn't matter in his case. Looking at the above players both at wide receiver and at other positions, a player's 40 time hasn't historically translated to guaranteed success at the NFL level.
We know who Harrison is as a player, and he knows that we know. That's why he's doing things differently. It doesn't matter if he runs. The kid is going to be special.
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