A closer look at the predicted NFL draft top-five pick Marvin Harrison Jr

A closer look at the predicted NFL draft top-five pick Marvin Harrison Jr

While quarterbacks are dominating the build-up to this year’s NFL Draft, the 2024 class also features a number of highly-rated wide receivers.

As many as six wideouts could be drafted in the opening round on Thursday, April 25, as teams hope that the recent trend of rookie receivers quickly making an impact in the NFL continues.

Here is a closer look at one of the leading pass-catching prospects, Marvin Harrison Jr.

Background and college career

The name Marvin Harrison will be instantly recognisable to NFL fans of a certain age. Harrison Sr was one of the best wide receivers of his generation, spending 13 years with the Indianapolis Colts, where he was Peyton Manning’s favourite target during a Hall of Fame career.

Harrison Jr quickly looked to follow in his father’s footsteps, helping his high school La Salle College in Philadelphia win three consecutive state championships before committing to Ohio State University.

After seeing limited playing time in his freshman year, he broke through in 2022 and would put in back-to-back seasons of 1,200 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns before declaring for the 2024 draft.

What sort of player is he?

Four inches taller than his father, Harrison Jr combines power and grace, while having all of the skills that an NFL team would want from a number one receiver. He has a sprinter’s speed and is an efficient route runner, with his only real weakness being his failure to make tacklers miss regularly on the open field.

Where is he likely to be drafted?

If, as most pundits expect, three quarterbacks are taken with the first three picks, Harrison Jr looks to be an excellent fit for the Arizona Cardinals who have pick number four. Should the Cards look elsewhere or trade away, the LA Chargers or either of the New York teams, who all pick in the top ten, would jump at the chance to draft him.

When is the 2024 NFL Draft?

The draft takes place over three days.

• Round 1:  Thursday, April 25 (8 p.m. ET / 1 a.m. BST)
• Rounds 2-3:  Friday, April 26 (7 p.m. ET / 12 a.m. BST)
• Rounds 4-7:  Saturday, April 27 (12 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. BST)

2024 NFL Draft: How to watch

U.S.: ABC, ESPN and NFL Network

UK: Sky Sports NFL and DAZN

Canada: DAZN

Other regions not listed above will need to check their respective local schedules.

Live on DAZN PPV: Haney vs. Garcia on April 20.  Click here for details.