The Arizona Cardinals used the No, 4 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on Ohio State mega-prospect Marvin Harrison Jr. to give Kyler Murray a No. 1 wide receiver. In doing so, Arizona passed on LSU's Malik Nabers, who was selected No. 6 overall by the New York Giants.
From a purely statistical point of view, Nabers, who set a Giants franchise record for catches in a season despite some terrible quarterback play, appears to be the superior pick. However, analysts acting like Harrison is dead and buried after a very good rookie season shows how little they watched the Cardinals last year.
Former NFL scout and current podcast host John Middlekauf claimed the Cardinals now regret taking Harrison at No. 4 over Nabers, despite not having any sources within the Arizona organization that could verify that bold statement. The Cardinals themselves might disagree with that statement.
Nabers might have better numbers, but Harrison put together a splendid season that gave Arizona all the indications they need that he will challenge for well over 1,000 yards now that he is firmly adjusted to the overall speed and quality of the professional game.
John Middlekauf foolishly claims Cardinals regret Marvin Harrison Jr. pick
Harrison caught 62 passes for 885 yards and eight touchdowns during his rookie season. These numbers are more than respectable for a rookie, especially after a very slow start. Harrison also had to deal with a situation that was much less conducive to gaudy wide receiver numbers.
Nabers was on a wretched Giants team with no other playmakers that had to target him as much as possible to even have a chance. Not only did Arizona have recently-extended tight end Trey McBride and standout running back James Conner, but their offense was much more run-heavy than New York's attack.
Harrison, when factoring in his status as the No. 2 pass catcher, performed well enough that it may not be a surprise if the Cardinals wait a few rounds in the 2025 NFL Draft to find a supplemental side piece. Harrison may not have set the world on fire, but he remains worth the selection for a Cardinals team that has lacked quality wide receiver play for years.