The Arizona Cardinals selected two first team all-conference standouts with their first round picks in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Their first choice came No. 4 overall when choosing Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. The reigning Biletnikoff Award winner became the Buckeyes’ fourth receiver to hear his name called in the first round in the past three drafts.
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Harrison will team up with former Missouri defensive lineman Darius Robinson, who ended his Tigers career with a 14-3 Cotton Bowl victory over Ohio State last season. Robinson reportedly wore his Cotton Bowl ring at their introductory press conference, and he said he and Harrison talked about it.
“I was telling Marvin we was glad he didn’t play,” Robinson said. “I mean, the whole week leading up, you see Ohio State, everybody say, ‘OK. Marvin Harrison,’ and then we was like, ‘Is he going to play? Is he going to play?’ He didn’t play, so you know, we lucked out, so.”
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Harrison has long heard conversations about following in the footsteps of his father Marvin Harrison Sr. who is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame spending 13 years with the Indianapolis Colts.
Marvin Harrison Jr. became the most decorated wide receiver in Ohio State history after joining Terry Glenn in 1995 as the only Buckeyes to win college football’s top award for a receiver, and the new NFL rookie also is the only two-time All-American receiver in school history.
Marvin Harrison Jr. has embraced the pressure on the biggest stages, like the College Football Playoff. Now at football’s highest level, he’s comfortable with working his way up.
“I mean, yeah, I have high standards for myself,” Marvin Harrison Jr. said. “But I’m just going to go in there and try to work the best I can. I just want to help the team win really, so. And whatever role I play come September I’m going to just do my best and do that role.”
Marvin Harrison Jr. said it’s “awesome” reuniting with former Buckeyes offensive tackle teammate Paris Johnson Jr., who the Cardinals selected No. 6 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. The former All-American wide receiver said it’s “kind of like two years in the making” as the two discussed the possibility of playing pro football together while at Ohio State.
“Hopefully when I score some touchdowns he raises me up in his arms like he used to do in college, so super excited to play with him,” Marvin Harrison Jr. said. “I mean, not only is he going to be a great teammate, but a great friend to have as well.”
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About he and his father’s reaction to April’s draft, Marvin Harrison Jr. said “I don’t think it’s hit both of us yet” that he was chosen No. 4 overall. He said there’s “no better role model, coach, mentor you could have” than his father when he grew up going down a similar path on the gridiron.
Arizona expects Marvin Harrison Jr. to be the team’s top receiver, and he expects to connect with former Oklahoma Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Kyler Murray. Marvin Harrison Jr., who was a Heisman finalist last season after catching 1,211 yards and 14 touchdowns, said his work ethic that’s led him to the NFL will remain an integral part of his routine that could help him wind up in Canton.
“It’s just being a pro,” Marvin Harrison Jr. said. “It’s kind how I was raised and grew up to do, and I keep the same mindset, same attitude that I’ve had throughout my whole career, once I get here. Continue to work hard, be consistent and disciplined in all that I do, so looking forward to putting in the work.”
