The Arizona Cardinals were debating between Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabers for the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. They went with the Ohio State product over the LSU product, a decision that has aged terribly just three seasons later.
The Cardinals shipped Harrison and a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Houston Texans in exchange for 2027 second- and sixth-round picks. Horrible value in retrospect, but unfortunately good value considering Harrison's current situation.
The career trajectory between Harrison and Nabers continues heading in opposite directions in Year 3. Nabers is already proving to be a steal for the New York Giants, who selected him just two picks later at No. 6 overall.
Malik Nabers is doing for the Giants what Marvin Harrison Jr. couldn't for the Cardinals
One sign of an elite receiver is the ability to produce regardless of who's at the quarterback position. That's been the case with Nabers, who now has consecutive 100-plus-yard receiving games against the Arizona Cardinals and Washington Commanders. He's established a connection with backup quarterback Jameis Winston, and could have another 1,000 yard season despite the injury to Jaxson Dart. That's been one of the key differences between Harrison and Nabers, showing that the Cardinals should've selected the latter in hindsight.
The Cardinals organization from top to bottom is to blame for the Harrison pick not panning out. But at the same time, it's to be expected that a top five selection is joining a less than ideal situation. That's the point of the draft -- landing that franchise-altering prospect to turn things around.
Unfortunately, that hasn't been the case in Arizona, between Kyler Murray being the No. 1 overall pick in 2019 and now Harrison. The Cardinals have already moved on from what was supposed to be the foundational pieces, showing what a catastrophe and setback the draft has been for this rebuild. It's the type of setback that has fans and analysts wondering whether general manager Monti Ossenfort's job should be in jeopardy.
Meanwhile, the Giants are already reaping the benefits of taking Nabers. He's become a key piece of their offense, not only making life easier for Dart and aiding his development but also holding the fort down in his absence. That's the type of talent worth investing a top ten pick in at a skill position. And while Harrison did have his moments, they were unfortunately few and far between. For every play that flashed star potential, there were maybe ten more that made him look like just another average NFL receiver.
That issue compounded when Brissett took over at quarterback, as the two never really seemed to establish a strong connection. Perhaps Harrison will benefit from a change of scenery and unlock that potential from being reunited with former Ohio State teammate C.J. Stroud. But the point is, Nabers didn't need to be put in that ideal situation to succeed. He's making it work regardless of the external situation around him in New York.
That's the sign of a true top-five pick, and that's something Harrison never brought to the Cardinals to justify the steep draft investment.
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