Marvin Harrison Jr. was perhaps the most hyped-up and heralded draft pick in the history of the Arizona Cardinals since perhaps Larry Fitzgerald, and the comparisons are easy to make. Fitzgerald was the 3rd overall pick in 2004, and Harrison the 4th overall pick last year. Both are tall, prototypical wide receivers, both run great routes and have excellent hands. Fitzgerald turned into probably the smartest draft decision in the franchise’s history, not just for his play but for his leadership and presence in the area.
Hype had been unusually high for a fanbase well versed in disappointment and malaise, and for good reason. While the word “generational talent” is thrown around too much by the 24/7 sports media, Harrison fits that description.
Then we learned that Harrison purchased a beautiful home in Paradise Valley. He’s growing roots in the area. He’s here to stay…this is real.
And yet…where has he been? As of the time of writing (before their game against the Dolphins) he’s caught a mere 20 receptions in his six games played (leaving aside one game where he was out with a concussion). While his four touchdown catches in six games would extrapolate out to an excellent season total, exactly 300 yards over that time period (i.e. 50 yards a game) is pedestrian, more indicative of a 2nd or 3rd receiver than an all-world #1 receiver, on a team which he has no one even approaching being a peer at his position.
So what’s the deal? And will it change?
First, it’s not time to panic, even if concerns could be warranted. Some positions are more amenable to a rookie stepping in and producing. There isn’t much of a learning curve for running backs coming out of college, for instance. The wide receiver position is more nuanced in the NFL and does have that learning curve. Rookie wide receivers very rarely dominate.
Another problem is the lack of other options. Fitzgerald blossomed most when Anquan Boldin was on the other side. When a team has multiple threats at receiver, the defense can less effectively shut down the #1. As of the time of writing, Michael Wilson and Greg Dortch are the other starting receivers. Those two will keep precisely zero defensive coordinators up at night worrying about how to shut them down, so they can more effectively focus on Harrison.
But maybe the biggest elephant in the room? The quarterback. Kyler Murray is eminently talented, no doubt, but his biggest drawback may be playing into this problem. Murray is listed as 5’10”, and that might be charitable. As the pocket forms around him in passing plays, 6’6” men will naturally block his sight-line to the sideline and will make it more difficult for him to even spot Harrison. He almost needs to move out of the pocket to spot him, which will be impractical or undesired much of the time.
So Harrison may be growing roots here, and it is a true hope that he is a career Cardinal. But without more options at receiver he will be easier to gameplan around, and with the shortcomings (pun intended) of our current quarterback, his skill set may never truly be maximized while here.
ADDENDUM: since this was written over the weekend, it ran the risk of being rendered null and void with a big performance on Sunday. And what happened? Six receptions for 111 yards and a touchdown for Marvin Harrison Jr. Of course. If this publication is proven wrong, best to have it be from a great Cardinals performance. Here’s to hoping it’s the first of many.