Elite NFL rookie immediately disproves top concern of evaluators with first big plays of his career
With only one catch for four yards in his NFL debut, Arizona Cardinals rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. faced some odd questions about his role. It was a clear overreaction as pundits who had Malik Nabers rated above Harrison in the 2024 NFL Draft celebrated their concerns about Harrison's athleticism. However, Harrison quickly exploded in […]
With only one catch for four yards in his NFL debut, Arizona Cardinals rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. faced some odd questions about his role. It was a clear overreaction as pundits who had Malik Nabers rated above Harrison in the 2024 NFL Draft celebrated their concerns about Harrison's athleticism.
However, Harrison quickly exploded in Week 2 with two touchdowns before the midpoint of the first quarter. Just like that, Harrison had 98 yards on three receptions, putting the Cardinals up by two scores on the Los Angeles Rams.
Marvin Harrison Jr. Scores Twice in First Quarter
Look at any scouting report of Harrison coming out of Ohio State, and there's likely a mention of a lack of deep speed. Despite Harrison playing with a mediocre quarterback in 2023, which more explained his lack of downfield opportunities, he totaled 2,613 yards and 31 touchdowns over two-plus seasons as a Buckeye.
Although he's not Tyreek Hill fast, Harrison showed he has plenty of juice to get past defenders in the NFL. His first touchdown of the day showed a glimpse of this as he raced to the back of the end zone and hauled in a contested catch over his shoulder.
But his second touchdown was more special. Harrison raced across the field on a deep crosser, generating over four yards of separation in the meantime. He completed the 60-yard touchdown with a top speed of 20 miles per hour, per Next Gen Stats.
And of course, seeing it on the dots is even more fun.
We can't wait to see what Maserati Marv has up his sleeve next. All we know is he is fantastic and is plenty fast to make these game-breaking plays in the NFL.
