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Chris Simms Has Marvin Harrison Jr. As Third-Best WR Prospect in Draft

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Mar 26, 2024 11:01 AM ET

The NFL Draft is still weeks away, but Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr. has already been thought of as the best receiver in the class...unless you ask NBC analyst and former NFL quarterback Chris Simms.

Almost every mock draft has Harrison being selected in the first five picks, with other stars in Brian Thomas Jr., Malik Nabers, and Rome Odunze thought to be later first-round picks.

But Simms' thoughts on Harrison go against everything we thought we knew about the receiver draft order as he has listed the Ohio State star as the third-best receiver in the class, with Nabers and Thomas Jr. ranked ahead of him.

Here’s my Top 5 WRs. Rankings based on film.
Awesome group. So much to like with Nabers, Thomas, and Harrison. I just think the LSU guys are able to separate more and run by you better than Harrison pic.twitter.com/GsqoKflRYX
— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) March 18, 2024

In the last two seasons, Harrison Jr. has caught a combined 144 rec for 2,474 yards, along with 28 touchdowns.

Now, let's look at the LSU duo of Nabers and Thomas Jr.

Nabers, in his last two seasons, has totaled 2,586 yards and 17 touchdowns from his 161 receptions, while Thomas Jr. hauled in 99 receptions for 1,538 yards and 22 touchdowns (17 came in 2023).

So, stats-wise, there isn't much that separates the top three receivers in the draft, but Harrison Jr.'s physicality and ability to win contested catches are features of his game.

Additionally, despite his height (6'4), he is surprisingly quick on his feet, and quarterbacks have a 125.2 rating when throwing in his direction - that might be enough for him to be the No. 1 receiver taken.

: Chris Simms has Marvin Harrison Jr ranked as only the third best wide receiver in this year’s draft class.

“Marvin Harrison Jr has so much good in his game. He's NFL ready and will be a star. Catches the ball and gets up the field right away at an elite level.… pic.twitter.com/0zj3IXvriM
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) March 18, 2024

Still, Simms has his opinions on the ranking of the receivers in this draft class. While most consider Harrison Jr. the best in the draft, Simms clearly sees things differently.

Harrison Jr. is expected to go high in the draft, and time will tell if that will be the right decision, despite his glaring talent.

This article first appeared on Men's Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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