Lauded as a generational talent coming out of Ohio State, it’s fair to say Marvin Harrison Jr.’s rookie year with the Arizona Cardinals didn’t quite live up to the hype. While the rookie posted solid numbers, his production fell short of expectations after being the first non-quarterback taken in the 2024 NFL Draft.
In a recent interview, Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray said his young teammate still needs to adjust to the NFL‘s speed.
Kyler Murray Defends Marvin Harrison Jr., Reveals Growing Pains in 2024
The hype around Harrison was off the charts heading into the 2024 season. The Cardinals selected him fourth overall in the 2024 NFL Draft after a dominant college career. He racked up 2,474 receiving yards and 28 touchdowns over his final two seasons at Ohio State before declaring for the draft after his junior year.
Harrison showed flashes during his rookie campaign, especially in Week 2 against the Los Angeles Rams, when he caught four passes for 130 yards and two touchdowns — all in the first quarter.
But overall, his rookie season was inconsistent, leaving plenty to build on heading into 2025. Appearing on “Wolf & Luke” on Arizona Sports, Murray said it takes time for young players to adjust to the NFL game.
“People don’t really understand how difficult it is [in your] rookie year,” he said. “Everyone watching the game from the TV or the stands doesn’t understand how the game has to slow down for that individual.”
Harrison Was Just Focused on Proving Himself, Claims Murray
Murray recalled a moment during the season when Harrison opened up about how fast the game felt.
“He told me, like Week 9 or 10 — it was later in the season — he was like, ‘Bro, that Buffalo game was moving fast as hell.’ And I didn’t know that. I couldn’t have told you that, but he felt that.” Murray said he encouraged Harrison to speak up more, noting that younger players are often quieter as they find their footing.
“I’m like, ‘Bro, you can communicate,’ you know what I mean?” Murray said. Comparing Harrison’s situation to his own early years, Murray said some guys just take time to settle in.
“I understand him, in the sense of, he’s got this name, and he wants to just come in and prove himself. You know, people say he’s not talkative. Well, people would have said I wasn’t talkative [in] my rookie year either. ’Cause all I wanted to do was come in and show guys I’m worth where they picked me and who I am.”
Expectations remain high for Harrison’s future after showing glimpses of elite talent in 2024. He and Murray will need to keep grinding this offseason if those flashes are going to turn into steady production in Year 2.