Some call Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr. a "generational talent" at wide receiver and the greatest player in the 2024 NFL Draft. reports that several teams want LSU's Malik Nabers as the first pass-catcher drafted.
"I've actually had people tell me Malik Nabers could wind up ahead of Marvin Harrison Jr.," podcaster Adam Schefter stated. "I've actually heard arguments on behalf of all three guys (Harrison Jr., Nabers, Rome Odunze) all being the No. 1 receiver prospect in this class." NFL teams would prefer another wide receiver over a "generational talent," how?
I'm not surprised to hear that," ESPN's Matt Miller told Schefter. "If the three of us viewed film on these wide receivers together, we'd probably enjoy different things. That's happening now. Especially when scouting for an individual strategy like the Arizona Cardinals, you'll want something different than the Buffalo Bills or Los Angeles Chargers.
That may explain your scheme's discrepancies. You may choose Malik Nabers' speed and yards-after-catch to Marvin Harrison Jr., a genuine vertical receiver and route runner. Maybe you see what San Francisco has done with two bullies at wide receiver and seek Rome Odunze because you want a 215-pound guy who dominates 50-50 balls.
"I suppose it depends on your quarterback, offense, and which wide outs meet your needs. I think the sequence they come off the board will be one of the most intriguing portions of the opening round." Strange talk. Any NFL offense that doesn't fit Harrison Jr.? If so, sorry for the offense. Miller says some organizations prefer Nabers' strengths over Harrison Jr.'s.
Remember that all reports regarding X prospect being better than Y or vice versa may be smoke screens. For their No. 5 pick, the Chargers may be aiming to boost Nabers' worth so Harrison-hungry clubs will value them in a deal. Until a team submits their draft card, no one knows. Even if teams prefer Nabers over Harrison Jr., they may not be able to choose either of them.
With their No. 9 pick, the Bears may pick one of the top three receivers. Bears, Commanders, and Patriots will likely take three quarterbacks in the first three rounds. After them, the Cardinals and Chargers should seek a receiver as both clubs are thin at the position
What about trades? Do the Cardinals need Harrison Jr. or Nabers to compete? Should they trade that pick for future value to more fully build their team? Game of opportunity cost. With the No. 9 pick, the Bears must play. If one of those three receivers becomes available with the No. 9 pick, they must decide whether to pair it with DJ Moore and Keenan Allen or trade down for a likely haul.
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