NFL stars don't always shine immediately. While rookies like Brock Bowers and Brian Thomas Jr. took the league by storm in 2024, most players take some time to adjust to the speed and physicality of pro football.
Marvin Harrison Jr. may be one of those players. Harrison Jr. had a relatively disappointing debut season after the Arizona Cardinals selected him in the top five of the 2024 NFL Draft, but the team still believes that he can become a star.
The Cardinals expect big things from Marvin Harrison Jr.
Let's set the record straight: Marvin Harrison Jr. played well in his rookie season. Narratives that he was a "bust" are dramatic overreactions. He slightly underperformed the astronomical expectations set out for him. It didn't help that a few of his fellow rookies posted historic numbers.
That being said, Harrison Jr. needs to show improvement in his sophomore season. According to The Athletic's Doug Haller, the Arizona Cardinals expect him to do just that. In a recent article, Haller said that "The Cardinals expect Marvin Harrison Jr., to make a jump."
If the Cardinals are to compete for a playoff spot this season, Marvin Harrison Jr. will have to play a big part in their success. The team did virtually nothing to add to their offense this offseason, making it clear that they're expecting players like Marvin Harrison and Kyler Murray to drive any improvements that the unit shows.
Based on reports coming out of Cardinals minicamp and OTAs, it looks like Harrison Jr. is ready to take that next step. He put on noticeable amounts of muscle this offseason, shocking his teammates with his new physique.
Marvin Harrison Jr.'s bulked-up frame should give him an advantage in contested catch situations. Last season, he converted on just 42% of contested catch opportunities, per PFF. Some added muscle mass should allow him to fight through contact and bring in those passes.
According to Doug Haller, Marvin Harrison Jr. hasn't just improved his physical prowess. Haller said, "Murray has noticed a different comfort level with Harrison, a different confidence."
The connection between Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr. will be crucial for the Arizona Cardinals in 2025. If the duo can show more chemistry this year, it's reasonable to expect a 1,000-yard, ten-touchdown season from the sophomore wideout. The Cardinals drafted Harrison Jr. to be a clear first option at receiver. If reports coming out of camp are any indication, he's ready to do that.