In view of certain board members accusing me of being a “biased anti-MHJ” attacker, I feel compelled to correct the record on what is a serious claim.
If we’re talking about “preconceived opinions,” Cardinals supporters have agreed for well over a year that MHJ is a generational talent who is far and away the best prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft.
After seeing what MHJ did in 2022, I had a same opinion. He was wonderful.
However, several things occurred over the last 14 months.
The Cardinals recruited a new general manager, head coach, and offensive coordinator, and they are now a run-heavy ball control offense that operates predominantly with 12 and 13 personnel.
Kyler Murray’s return resulted in a particular chemistry with TE Trey McBride, but he struggled to establish consistent chemistry with his wide receivers, most notably with his long-time friend Marquise Brown.
Marvin Harrison Jr.’s play at Ohio State was not as consistently impressive as it was in 2022. How do I know that? To be sure and fair, I returned and watched games.
As a result, I find it extremely hilarious that in my recent polls, just 15% of the 219 members who participated claimed they went back and watched some games (33 members), yet in the next two polls targeted to “those who went back and watched tape,” over 180 members voted.
Why would people who stated that they did not go back and watch games because they were fine with watching highlight videos or that there was no need to go back and watch any games cast their votes?
I took the time to watch again.
To be honest, I expected to be as blown away as I was in 2022.
And there were lots of occasions when MHJ was simply fantastic.
The problem was that valid complaints arose on tape.
To the point where there was insufficient data to assume that MHJ could enter the NFL and routinely outperform NFL CBs. Check out how the Notre Dame CBs smothered him. Watch the tentative routes that MHJ ran across the middle of the field against Michigan.
In terms of actual experience perception, I am not an oddity.
First and foremost, I do not believe it was a coincidence that 33 ROTB members stated that they went back and watched games, followed by 36 members expressing concerns.
Chris Simms, following his video evaluations of the top WRs, went so far as to remark that not only do Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. get considerably more consistent separation than MHJ, but they are also “better ballers.”
Dennis Kelly, a former NFL scout for the Jets under Bill Parcells, went back and reviewed this year’s games, and this is what he discovered:
Marvin Harrison Jr. doesn’t like going out of his way.
I believe some analysts are acting as if the alleged nine teams that supposedly told MHJ he didn’t have to run for them are being careful due to MHJ’s legacy.
The irony is that if there is one WR in this draft class who comes closest to replicating Marvin Harrison Sr., it is Malik Nabers. On tape, MHS and Malik Nabers bear a striking similarity at times.
I wasn’t the only one who was sad that MHJ chose not to participate in his Pro Day.
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