Jets Draft Target Marvin Harrison Jr. Skips Pro Day; Stock Falling?
The New York Jets have earned to go wherever they’d like with the 10th overall pick in April’s draft. That includes trading the selection.
A recent NFL.com mock draft had New York getting aggressive in the wake of recent signings. Acquiring left tackle Tyron Smith and receiver Mike Williams gives the Jets the flexibility to be aggressive, even if the more sound process would be to accumulate picks. In said mock draft, general manager Joe Douglas traded up to No. 5 for the rights to draft Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.
The trade would immediately give New York one of the league’s best receiving trios and perhaps the best young duo in the sport. But is there a world where Harrison falls to 10?
Jan 20, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is honored at center court during the first half of the game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Penn State Nittany Lions at Value City Arena.
Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Recent speculation regarding Harrison’s stock has circulated after a pre-draft circuit that has left some concerned. From a tape, production, and measurable standpoint, Harrison has established himself among the elite. However, he didn’t test at the Combine — or show for his media availability — and then declined to test at his pro day on Wednesday.
Neither of those are lethal for his stock, especially talking at the Combine, which may or may not be his fault/decision. But Harrison is locked into a race for WR1 in this year’s class. He hasn’t helped his stock since his final collegiate snap.
His early-round counterparts may have, though it’s entirely possible Harrison’s pedigree and track record have given him a lead neither LSU’s Malik Nabers or Washington’s Rome Odunze will make up. Nabers hasn’t yet tested (or measured) but has gained steam in recent weeks and Odunze ran a 4.45 40-yard dash while hitting every necessary benchmark to be deemed an incredible athlete.
Harrison remains a pipe dream for the Jets.
Even without an agent, Harrison’s camp has guided him through this process, certainly influenced by his Hall-of-Fame father. They are well-equipped to know if Harrison needed to run a 40-yard dash or run a three-cone drill to maintain his stock as the likely first non-quarterback in this year’s class. In all likelihood, teams in range to draft him decided he already checked the box for athleticism, passed that along, and he subsequently did not test.
He decided to focus on his preparation away from the eyes of scouts, but still made an appearance to support his teammates at Ohio State's pro day.
Jets fans have every reason to be optimistic, but doing so about Harrison coming to New York is getting ahead of oneself. Expect Harrison to be the first receiver taken in April’s draft and for the Jets to focus on targets more likely to be available when they’re on the clock.
