Ohio State is hosting its annual Pro Day for its NFL Draft prospects Wednesday, but anyone hoping to see Marvin Harrison Jr. perform at it is out of luck.
Harrison is projected to be the first non-quarterback selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, and many were looking forward to seeing what he could do in the typical pre-draft workouts. From the 40-yard dash to the gauntlet drill, it was expected that Harrison would impress.
However, Harrison decided not to participate in his Pro Day. He didn’t participate in the 2024 NFL Combine either, perplexing many football fans.
Harrison’s decision is unique, but it’s sensible when considering his career trajectory.
NFL DRAFT: Top 125 big board | Mock draft, post-free agency edition
Why didn’t Marvin Harrison Jr. work out at his Pro Day?
Harrison didn’t work out at his Pro Day or the NFL Combine for a simple reason. He didn’t have to.
Harrison opted not to train for the NFL Combine and Pro Day drills, a time-consuming process that doesn’t necessarily translate to on-field success. Instead, he worked with Mickey Marotti, a strength and conditioning specialist, to prepare himself to play at the NFL level, per Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer.
A player declining to perform these drills might be a red flag for a run-of-the-mill NFL Draft prospect, but Harrison is anything but ordinary. The Ohio State star was consistent for the Buckeyes, averaging 72 catches, 1,237 yards, and 14 touchdowns over his past two seasons.
Harrison is viewed as one of the best receiver prospects since Calvin Johnson and has no character concerns, as Breer noted.
[Harrison] can simply tell NFL teams to turn on the tape—how he runs a 40, or a three-cone drill, or routes on air probably won’t change how high he’s going to go. His sterling reputation as a worker and a person also give Harrison even more flexibility here. That allows everyone to view Harrison’s plan as strictly a business decision, made with an eye towards having a great rookie year, rather than as some reflection on his character.
That should lock Harrison as the first receiver selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, even as the buzz surrounding LSU star Malik Nabers grows.
Were NFL teams not so quarterback-needy, Harrison could be the No. 1 pick in the draft. As it stands, the first three picks of the 2024 NFL Draft are expected to be passers, but barring a trade-up from a quarterback-needy team, Harrison should be the No. 4 selection.
It would be a surprise to see any non-quarterback selected ahead of Harrison, so it’s easy to understand why he didn’t feel the need to work out at his Pro Day. He is a top-five lock and it would be shocking if anything pushed him down the board.
NFL FREE AGENCY:
Most overpaid | Best bargains | Team grades | Winners & losers
Marvin Harrison 40 time
Harrison did not run a 40-yard dash, as he elected not to work out at the NFL Combine or his Pro Day.
That said, Harrison gave fans an idea of just how fast he can go on his first touchdown of the 2023 college football season. He posted a top speed of 22.2 mph on a touchdown catch and run against Youngstown State, per Reel Analytics.
College Football’s Fastest Five of the Week:
1. Buckeye WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (@MarvHarrisonJr) 22.2 mph #ReelSpeed @11W
🎥: @BigTenNetwork
🔗 https://t.co/orrD059ykP pic.twitter.com/UJCk1xjAmx
— Reel Analytics (@RAanalytics) September 11, 2023
Harrison once told The Athletic he could run a 40-yard dash in the high-4.3 range. That speed shows up on tape, so he didn’t need to showcase it before the draft.
