Buckeyes Star Marvin Harrison Jr. Lands With Patriots In Latest Mock Draft
Where will former Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. land in April's NFL Draft?
Most mock drafts have the 6-4 son of Hall of Fame pass-catcher Marvin Harrison landing in the desert as the new No. 1 option for the Arizona Cardinals. One mock, however, has him going a pick earlier.
In the latest draft from NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah, the New England Patriots pass on a gunslinger to take Harrison No. 3 overall. The Patriots haven't featured a 1,000-yard receiver since Tom Brady's final season in Foxborough back in 2019.
In this scenario, the Patriots go the veteran route to fill the need at quarterback, which frees them up to trade the No. 3 overall pick or take the uber-talented Harrison. - NFL.com
Skill-wise, Harrison makes a compelling case to be the top prospect regardless of position. He's a fluid route-runner who wins at the high point in jump ball situations. Harrison also can create separation with his footwork, speed and physical approach at the line of scrimmage.
Chicago and Washington are expected to draft quarterbacks entering next week's NFL Scouting Combine. New England is currently at a crossroads under new head coach Jerod Mayo.
The Patriots could move off third-year player Mac Jones, bringing in another veteran and adding Harrison or potentially upgrading the offensive line. They also could spend money at receiver and tackle in free agency, leading to quarterback being the one major need left to address.
New England could also give Jones another shot in a new system. After being drafted 15th overall in 2021, Jones showed upside as a rookie, guiding the Patriots back to the postseason. Over the next two years, Bill Belichick's offensive coaching changes and overall personnel moves cost the former national champion reps and a bit of confidence.
Harrison, who is expected to be the first receiver selected, could be in play with Chicago in a trade-back scenario if the Bears were to bet on Justin Fields. Multiple mocks have seen Washington move up one spot to select USC's Caleb Williams, while the Bears would give the former Buckeyes quarterback another Buckeyes' weapon.
The combine will give teams a better look at where players are expected to be picked in April. Harrison, one of eight Ohio State players invited to Lucas Oil Stadium, is expected to partake in all drills, including the 40-yard dash.