Marvin Harrison Jr. looks to continue first-round success of Ohio State receivers since 2006
The Ohio State Buckeyes have been on quite the run at the wide receiver position over the last 18 years. Since 2006, the Buckeyes have produced sixth first-round receivers. Marvin Harrison Jr. became the seventh on Thursday night when he was selected fourth overall by the Arizona Cardinals. In that span, Santonio Holmes, Ted Ginn […]
The Ohio State Buckeyes have been on quite the run at the wide receiver position over the last 18 years. Since 2006, the Buckeyes have produced sixth first-round receivers. Marvin Harrison Jr. became the seventh on Thursday night when he was selected fourth overall by the Arizona Cardinals.
In that span, Santonio Holmes, Ted Ginn Jr., Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Anthony Gonzalez have earned a first-round nod. The book is still out on Smith-Njigba, who was taken 20th overall in the 2023 class. But only Gonzalez was a clear bust.
The former Indianapolis Colts receiver looked like a perfect fit with Peyton Manning. The 32nd overall pick in 2007 was a terrific slot threat, boasting elite quickness and hands. Injuries shortened his career, though, playing until 2011 and producing only 99 receptions for 1,307 yards.
His advanced efficiency numbers in the small sample were impressive. However, they pale in comparison to the rest of the Buckeyes' stars. And that list isn't even counting Michael Thomas Jr.
For as highly-regarded of a prospect of Olave and Wilson were, Harrison is even better. Harrison is often considered the top overall prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft and has the profile of a potential Hall of Famer. He has the elite size, movement ability, and natural playmaking that has drawn comparisons to Andre Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins.
Going to Arizona bodes well for Harrison, as he'll be paired with Kyler Murray. Murray feeds his playmakers handsomely, trusting them to finish difficult catches in high-leverage situations. Considering how dominant Harrison was in college with a similar passer in CJ Stroud, we expect Harrison to compete to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award.
After a strange fit in Miami skewed opinions on the speedster, Ted Ginn Jr. was considered a bust for years. But he carved out a long career, playing until 2020 and totaling 5,742 yards and 33 touchdowns. He was electric with the ball in his hands, even if he was overdrafted.
The Buckeyes' lineage of talented receivers goes back even further. Paul Warfield had 8,565 yards and 85 touchdowns en route to a Hall of Fame career. Joey Galloway and Terry Glenn had even more yards. Holmes, David Boston, and Michael Jenkins had moments of brilliance.
Harrison is talented and gifted enough to eclipse all their numbers and reach a peak beyond what all have reached. Wilson and Olave have been especially impressive recently but have dealt with mediocre or worse QB play.
With any luck, Harrison won't have that issue.
