2024 NFL Draft: Wide receiver prospects aplenty, but there is one that stands at the top

The Arizona Cardinals have the chance to draft one of the best receiver prospects in recent memory.

Over the next couple of weeks, leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft we will take a look at close to 30 prospects to know.

Within that, we will use the excellent work of Dane Brugler, who has just released his “The Beast” 2024 NFL Draft Guide. I highly recommend taking a peek and signing up for The Athletic if only to get Dane’s guide.

It is always an exhaustive work, and he should be commended.

With that said, we will go in order of Dane’s Big Board and use his final analysis as the wrap up of each prospect… Starting with Marvin Harrison Jr., Dane’s second overall player in the 2024 NFL Draft.

From Dane:

At a program known for producing high-level receiver talent, he became the first pass catcher in school history with multiple 1,000- yard receiving seasons and set the school record with 15 100-yard receiving games. In his final season, he earned a trip to New York City as a Heisman finalist, took home the Biletnikoff Award and became just the fifth two-time unanimous All-American in Ohio State history (and the first since Orlando Pace). It can be difficult to discuss Harrison without sounding hyperbolic, because he grades well above average in most areas of playing the position.

It is interesting that we have seen debate on the lack of production from Harrison as a reason for someone else to be considered the top guy, when he is the best receiver to come out of the place that is producing receivers at a high level.

Harrison Jr.’s final season at Ohio State was the next step in his evolution as a pass catcher, as he went from primarily an outside boundary receiver, to lining up all over and winning at all phases of the field.

He became an alpha receiver, from Dane:

A tall, lean target with the long speed and short-area agility of a smaller player, Harrison displays controlled fluidity in his releases/routes, which allows him to create se paration with complex breaks, stem angles and subtle head/body fakes. He has the uncanny ability to slow down the ball with his eyes, expand his catch radius and frame the football to make low – percentage catches appear routine (similar to Larry Fitzgerald).

Dane’s Final Notes:

Overall, Harrison has dominant receiving traits and can win from anywhere on the field, because of his athletic gifts, route savvy and adjustment/finishing skills at the catch point. He is among the best receiving prospects to enter the NFL in recent memory, and he has the dedication to his craft to be a playmaking No. 1 NFL receiver and future All-Pro.

Harrison offers maybe the most complete package of any player in this class of what the Arizona Cardinals need, and what he brings.

Now, will the Cardinals stand pat and make the pick, or will they push the envelope and move down?

Next up… Malik Nabers