FullTime Fantasy Rookie Scouting Profile: Marvin Harrison Jr.
Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR) Ohio State
Ht. | Wt. | 40-Time | NFL Draft | Dynasty ADP | NFL Comp |
6-3 | 209* | 4.45* | Top 10 | 1.01 | A.J. Green |
*Estimate
College Production
A four-star recruit out of St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia, Harrison chose the Buckeyes over numerous over prestige programs that made offers. Made an impact in 2021 as a true freshman, snagging a Rose Bowl record three touchdowns in OSU’s 48-45 win over Utah. As a sophomore was named unanimous All-American First Team and Biletnikoff Award finalist after snagging 77-of-109 targets for 1,263 yards and 14 touchdowns. Won the Biletnikoff award in 2023 with little dropoff in production regardless of new quarterback.
Strengths
• Fantastic route runner with outstanding technique and footwork. Consistently creates space and leverage.
• Downfield playmaker who consistently wins contested-catch battles and keeps the chains moving.
• High Football IQ. Great feel for where the first-down marker is. Adept at reeling in sideline throws and getting his feet down in bounds.
• Highly productive in both 2022 and 2023 despite losing C.J. Sroud. Durable.
• Inside/outside flexibility. His height would make him a problematic matchup as a big slot for slower linebackers and will have an advantage on all defensive backs.
• Able to defeat press coverage.
• NFL bloodlines and pedigree. Very similar playing style to his father, NFL Hall-of-Famer Marvin Harrison.
• Player comps include A.J. Green, Larry Fitzgerald, and his father.
Concerns
• Does not create a lot of extra yards after catch or force many missed tackles. Forced only five missed tackles in 2023.
• 8.2% drop rate in 2023 after dropping just three of 118 targets in 2022. However, the swap of C.J. Stroud to Kyle McCord should be factored in.
• Not the strongest guy at shielding off coverage. Needs to improve at fully running back to the ball on comeback routes.
• Lacks the top-end speed to run away from NFL defenders.
• Did not perform any drills at the NFL Scouting Combine or Ohio State’s Pro Day.
Fantasy Outlook
When it comes to “can’t miss” prospects, Marvin Harrison Jr. is considered even better than Jaxon Smith-Njigba was last year at this time. His consistent production at an elite program, NFL bloodlines, and body of work would fit on any team. He is widely considered the top wide receiver in this class.
Harrison will start on Week 1 and could immediately be a No. 1 wideout. He also could play in the slot and act as a refined possession target who will quickly develop a rapport with his quarterback.
A locked-in top-10 prospect, Harrison would be the top wideout right away on New England (3), Arizona (4), or the Giants (6).
Harrison is the easy 1.01 in single-QB rookie drafts but is considered such a solid prospect that he warrants top billing even in Superflex formats.
Definitely a prospect for fantasy managers to go out of their way to targets. However, it will be expensive. Harrison is already a top-10 dynasty wide receiver. Keep JSN’s relatively quiet rookie campaign in mind before selling the farm if you boast a “win now” dynasty roster.
See where Harrison ranks in Jody’s 2024 rookie rankings.