Marvin Harrison Jr. is preparing for the 2024 NFL Draft without following the typical pre-draft process. Harrison has opted out of specialized athletic training and did not participate in testing at the NFL Scouting Combine or Ohio State’s Pro Day. Following in the footsteps of Lamar Jackson, Harrison also decided not to hire an agent. Along with his father, Hall of Fame receiver Marvin Harrison, he kept most of his facility visits and private workouts private, with rumors swirling that he was seen at Giants headquarters. Harrison explained that he and his father decided to focus on preparing for the NFL season rather than specific draft events, training to play football instead.
Despite Harrison’s stellar college career, there are reports that his status as the No. 1 receiver in the draft is in jeopardy. Some teams have reportedly given a higher grade to Malik Nabers, who impressed at LSU’s Pro Day. However, Harrison remains confident in his abilities and trusts that any team that drafts him has done their research. Meetings with the Giants and Jets went well, and there is speculation that the Jets may have to trade up to secure Harrison as a target for Aaron Rodgers. Harrison expressed his admiration for Rodgers, calling him one of the best quarterbacks in the game.
Quarterback Jayden Daniels has confirmed that he is willing to play for the Commanders, dispelling rumors that he might not want to go as the No. 2 pick. Daniels has ties to the Raiders, where head coach Antonio Pierce was on the Arizona State staff when Daniels played there. The Raiders, however, do not pick until No. 13. The Cardinals, Packers, and Rams have the most picks in the upcoming draft, while the Bears have the fewest. The Panthers, Browns, and Texans do not have a first-round pick, but the Panthers are likely to trade back into the first round with the picks they have.
The Lions have set the bar high for drafting with their latest signings. Receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and right tackle Penei Sewell both signed lucrative contract extensions, with St. Brown’s guaranteed money setting a record at the position. Sewell was the Lions’ first-round pick in 2021, 105 picks ahead of St. Brown. In 2022, Georgia set a record for the most players drafted from a single school in the seven-round draft. Michigan could break this record over the next few days, led by former coach Jim Harbaugh, who is now with the Chargers and may want to reunite with some of his former recruits.
In the lead-up to the draft, teams are making their final preparations and trades. The Panthers, Browns, and Texans are looking to make moves without first-round picks, while other teams like the Packers and Rams have many selections to work with. Harrison’s unconventional approach to the draft process, combined with the uncertainty surrounding his draft position, adds an element of intrigue to the upcoming event. Teams are positioning themselves to make strategic moves, while players like Daniels are clarifying their intentions on where they are willing to play. As the draft approaches, the landscape of the NFL will likely see some significant changes based on the outcomes of the selections made over the next few days.
