Lethal ‘Weapon?’ Patriots Meet Top Receiver Prospect
If the New England Patriots are intent on “weaponizing” their offense, they have seemingly placed one of the most potent armaments in this draft class’ arsenal within their sights.
The Patriots, per MassLive’s Mark Daniels, have met with receiver prospect Marvin Harrison Jr. at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. By consensus, the Ohio State product is considered the top prospect at the position and is viewed by several analysts as a “generational pass catcher.”
Harrison, the son of former Indianapolis Colts legend Marvin Harrison, finished his 2023 season with 67 catches for 1,211 yards for 14 touchdowns. For his efforts, he earned the Fred Biletnikoff Award, along with being named first-team All-Big Ten, unanimous first-team All-American, and was chosen as a Heisman finalist. The 21-year-old caught 77 passes for 1,263 yards and 14 touchdowns as a sophomore in 2022 — leading many to believe that he would have been the top receiver prospect in last year’s draft, as well.
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Given their struggles in the passing game last season, the Patriots potential interest in Harrison should not be surprising. Injuries clearly took their toll on the Patriots receivers room in 2023, leading to their need for an upgrade. Veterans Kendrick Bourne and JuJu Smith-Schuster both suffered season-ending injuries, with Bourne leading the team in 37 catches for 406 yards with four touchdowns at the time of his departure.
Though veteran DeVante Parker occasionally demonstrated solid contested catch-ability, he struggled to remain consistent. Speedsters Jalen Reagor and Tyquan Thornton have shown flashes of their prowess, but will require greater experience to reach their full potential. New England’s lone bright spot at the position, rookie DeMario Douglas, used his speed and route-running prowess to help him lead the team with 561 receiving yards.
Accordingly, New England should be in the market for additional help at the position, primarily from a receiver who can consistently separate. Earlier this week, director of scouting Eliot Wolf expressed his desire to “weaponize” their offense by securing the services of players for which opposing teams must game-plan, and perhaps double team.
Harrison is a nuanced route-runner with both the speed and prototypical build (6-4, 205 pounds) to win his battles on the perimeter, and at the catch point. His multi-faceted skill set allows him to fit, or even, exceed, Wolf’s description. While New England is largely expected to draft a quarterback with their No. 3 overall pick, Harrison’s talent may give them reason for pause in their consideration.
Though Harrison will not participate in Combine testing with his fellow receivers on Saturday, his exceptional reputation should sufficiently speak for itself — whether for the Patriots, or the wideout’s numerous additional suitors.
