Why Commanders Should Pass QBs, Take Marvin Harrison Jr. with No. 2 Pick
While there aren't many who agree on what the Washington Commanders should do with the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft just about everyone believes it's a pick that could make or break the franchise's rebuilding efforts.
As complicated as the decision could be the scenario surrounding the Commanders' first pick of the draft is simple. Nail it, and you elevate your franchise immediately. Miss, and it'll set the team back even further than it already is.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) runs past Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Justin Walley (5) after making a catch during the first half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium.
© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
According to some scouting reports Washington is in a prime position to take a really solid quarterback, trade back for a bounty of draft capital, or select arguably the most complete prospect to enter the NFL Draft in quite a while in Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.
"Harrison Jr. is one of the best wide receiver prospects we have seen in a long time," says a 33rd Team scouting report on the NFL legacy. "He has an elite traits profile and no discernible weaknesses. He has outstanding size with high-level athleticism and movement skills. Harrison Jr. has a refined and subtle understanding of route running and of how to attack and break down corners to create separation."
The last receiver selected with one of the first two picks in the league's annual selection meeting was Calvin Johnson who was chosen by the Detroit Lions with the No. 2 overall pick in 2007.
Despite finishing the 2006 NFL Season with just three wins the Lions chose to add a receiver to their existing quarterback instead of drafting a new one.
Of course, at the time veteran Jon Kitna had just finished his first of what would be three seasons with the team, and the second quarterback taken in 2007 - Notre Dame's Brady Quinn - was still 20 picks from coming off the board to the Cleveland Browns.
While the circumstances aren't quite the same, the Lions decided not to trade out of No. 2 and took a player they felt was worth the investment even as the rest of the team was being constructed around him.
If the Commanders see those same qualities in Harrison and the impact he could make down the road, then they'll certainly at least entertain the idea.
"Harrison Jr. is a prototypical No. 1 wide receiver with his size, speed, hands, body control, explosiveness and physicality profile," 33rd Team said. "He is clearly the top wide receiver prospect in the 2024 draft class."
