21 March 2024 , 01:00
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Marvin Harrison Jr, a top prospect for the upcoming NFL Draft, has made a bold choice that could potentially cost him millions of dollars. He's decided not to participate in any workouts or tests at Ohio State's upcoming pro day, after also skipping the Scouting Combine earlier this month.
This means that NFL teams won't get any of his measurements. They won't be able to compare his speed, strength and skills against other wide receiver prospects in the draft. Instead, they'll have to rely solely on his college game footage.
While some players do sit out of the Scouting Combine, like USC quarterback Caleb Williams did this year, almost all then measure and test at their respective school's pro day, if they're fit. However, Harrison Jr has chosen not to do so.
Despite this, Harrison Jr is still seen as one of the top prospects in the draft, considered a once-in-a-generation talent at the wide receiver position. His decision is unlikely to affect him too much. But, he does risk losing millions by refusing to test if he potentially falls down the draft board a few positions.
The higher each player is drafted guarantees bigger deals in their rookie contract, with that going down by each selection. And while it's highly unlikely that Harrison Jr will fall out of the top five draft picks, he does risk being overtaken by another wide receiver prospect, Malik Nabers from LSU.
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In recent days, several NFL insiders have hinted that some teams view Nabers as their top wide receiver in the class. This is due to his lightning-fast speed and sharp route-running skills, which saw him excel in his final year at college with over 1,500 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Alongside Nabers, Rome Odunze from Washington is expected to be picked early in the draft after his impressive 1,400-yard and 13-touchdown season. He often outperformed defensive backs with his strength and speed.
However, Harrison Jr has long been considered the standout talent at the position and remains the favourite to be the first non-quarterback chosen in the draft, despite not testing whatsoever.
Marvin Harrison Jr has chosen not to test or work out at Ohio State's pro day leaving NFL teams in the dark (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)In his first season at Ohio State, Harrison Jr was a backup receiver in a team packed with talent like Garrett Wilson (New York Jets), Chris Olave (New Orleans Saints) and Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seattle Seahawks) - all of whom have since been first-round draft picks.
But in his last two seasons, he became the number one choice - scoring 28 touchdowns and 2,400 yards in 25 games while dominating every defensive back he faced.
The wide receiver is often linked to the Arizona Cardinals, who hold the fourth overall pick. However, there are suggestions that the Patriots might choose him with their third overall selection. They could then trade back into the first round to find their quarterback from a strong offensive class.