NFL Rookie Roundup 360: Marvin Harrison Jr.’s quiet debut, Joe Alt wins battle vs Maxx Crosby
Following a quiet NFL debut, one player from the 2024 NFL Draft class to look forward to in Week 2 is Marvin Harrison Jr. The Arizona Cardinals rookie receiver was not just quiet in the team’s loss to the Buffalo Bills, he was basically nonexistent. For a player who entered the NFL with such high expectations, one catch for four yards is not what the doctor ordered.
But there is no less gas in the Harrison Jr. hype train. Expect the Cardinals to do more to get the ball to their talented young rookie. Expect to see more emphasis on working him more into the game plan. At least that is what Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing says is high on the team's focus list for their Week 2 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.
"Certainly, he is on the forefront of our minds in terms of getting him the ball," Petzing said Tuesday. "I think (the Bills) did some things to take him away and certainly I could've called some plays to get him more involved early, but I thought it was a good start. We have some work to do."
In fairness to Petzing and Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray, the Cardinals offense have other offensive players to get the ball to like Try McBride, Michael Wilson and Greg Dortch, who saw eight targets vs Harrison Jr., three targets. While the team’s plan is not to force targets to the Ohio State product, getting him into the mix sooner rather than later will bring that talent to the forefront and make the Cardinals’ offense that much more difficult to defend.
Like any young player with high talent entering the NFL, it will just take time, patience and putting that player in position to succeed. With that said, look out for Harrison Jr. to bounce back with a solid performance in Week 2.
Los Angeles Chargers made the right choice with Joe Alt
The Los Angeles Chargers could’ve added another weapon to the mix with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Instead, they decided to add some protection for their quarterback by selecting the top tackle in the draft by way of Notre Dame’s Joe Alt.
Entering the league as a pro ready tackle, Alt had a major challenge in his rookie debut and that was going against Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby. Alt held his own against one of the NFL’s best pass rushers setting the tone of the type of pass protector he will be in the league. In giving up no sacks and no hits, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert who called him “a true ball player out there.”
As a strong anchor on the right side, Alt used his athleticism, strength, and quick footwork to limit Crosby or whoever lined up on the right side allowing just three pressures in a total of 28 pass-block snaps. Again, a strong debut and a preview of what’s to come from an offensive lineman with a high ceiling.
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Which rookies to watch in Week 2 of the NFL season
Xavier Worthy, Jayden Daniels and Joe Alt were amongst some of the Week 1 standouts. Looking ahead to Week 2, some of the rookies to watch include Caleb Williams who looks to put forth a better performance when the Chicago Bears take on C.J. Stroud and Houston Texans. Along with Marvin Harrison Jr., other wide receivers who will stamp their mark on the NFL in Week 2 include New England Patriots second-round pick Ja’Lynn Polk and look for Brian Thomas Jr. to have another good game after a strong NFL debut in Week 1.