The noise you hear from a loud chorus of Cardinals fans is how they need a playmaker. They want Marvin Harrison Jr. now. The thought is it brings more wins. Maybe, but not likely. Would MHJ fill more seats? Yes. Would MHJ increase the team profile? It could. Will MHJ justify networks and the NFL having Arizona in prime time? No guarantee that will happen. The Arizona Cardinals need to draft for the future, not just 2024.
You cannot swing a stick and not hit a Cardinals fan who insists it is Harrison Jr., and nobody else. It is, however, more complicated.
MHJ is electric. He is an absolute who can stretch the field to make the big plays. He is money. Straight cash. If he is there when the Cardinals pick rolls around, Arizona takes him. It’s the easy move, and he answers the prayers of Cards fans all over the desert.
Why Not Marvin Harrison Jr.?
However, he is the wrong player for Arizona in that spot in 2024. The Cardinals need to draft smartly, draft for the future. Secure their quarterback and running game and draft an offensive lineman. In 2023, General Manager Monti Ossenfort selected Paris Johnson Jr. the rookie who didn’t miss a game and solidified his role and importance to the Cardinals.
Fans should also remember the season-long rumors of Kyler Murray being uncertain beyond this last season. Head coach Jonathan Gannon has gone on the record to say that K1 is a franchise quarterback. According to Gannon, Murray is going nowhere. Murray is his guy. So, drafting a quarterback at what was once the second, third, and now fourth pick is a non-starter. Joe Thomas was taken by the Cleveland Browns with their third overall selection, and Jake Long was the No.1 pick.
Offensive lineman can be the bedrock and anchor of a solid offensive unit. MHJ won’t be a factor on every snap, but an offensive lineman will. Most impressive is the list of names who have gone anywhere from first overall to 10th overall.
John Hannah of the New England Patriots was selected fourth overall. Bruce Matthews was selected ninth by the Houston Oilers. Jimbo Colbert went to the Chicago Bears with the sixth selection. Willie Roaf was eighth overall to the New Orleans Saints. Joe Thomas was taken by the Cleveland Browns with their third overall selection, and Jake Long was No.1 by the Miami Dolphins. All dominant linemen who teams knew would be an asset to any offense.
"Literally at the point of attack on every play."
Bill Belichick dissects @Patriots legend John Hannah's highlights. #NFL100 pic.twitter.com/ZBCenvV9hD
— NFL (@NFL) December 14, 2019
Marvin Harrison Jr. does not get Arizona to a playoff in 2024. Neither does an offensive lineman. But Cardinals fans should not underestimate the value and need to solidify their offensive line with such a high pick. What it does is ensure protection for Murray for years to come. That is something a wide receiver cannot do. Top offensive line targets include Joe Alt and Olu Fashanu
Fans need to take the long view. Arizona is no closer to the postseason in 2024 than they were in 2023. San Francisco may come back to the pack enough to allow a different franchise to emerge. Los Angeles and Seattle have a solid pedigree but have been second fiddle to the Niners. This is when the Cardinals can break through, fans hope, and get back to the postseason.
Main Photo Credit: Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
