GLENDALE – The pressure on Marvin Harrison Jr.’s shoulder entering the 2026 season is a heavy burden for a 23-year-old. The former 2024 fourth overall pick has face endless criticism for underperforming through his first two seasons, combining for 189 catches for 1,493 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in 29 games. Compared to his peers in the same draft class, Harrison is a step behind, but history is on his side for next season.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Year 3 is typically a time for a breakout season for young wide receivers, with three notable examples in recent history.
Nov 9, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) catches a pass in the end zone for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
Can Harrison match these Year 3 seasons?
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba:
- First two seasons: 163 catches for 1,758 yards and 10 touchdowns
- Third season: 119 catches for 1,793 yards and 10 touchdowns
- Drake London:
- First two seasons: 141 catches for 1,771 yards and six touchdowns
- Third season: 100 catches for 1,271 yards and nine touchdowns
- Nico Collins:
- First two seasons: 70 catches for 927 receiving yards and three touchdowns
- Third season: 80 catches for 1,297 yards and eight touchdowns
Jan 3, 2026; Santa Clara, California, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) runs after a catch against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
In Smith-Njigba and Collins’ seasons, they completely doubled their first two seasons production in a single year, while London became a touchdown threat every drive. The trio of young wide receivers all had a massive increase in production in their third year. While it would be easy to state that reps and time in the league led to that moment, the real answer is quarterback play.
Smith-Njigba went from Geno Smith to two-time Pro Bowler Sam Darnold on the way to a Super Bowl win. Collins had Davis Mills his first two years and upgraded to a Pro Bowler in CJ Stroud. And in no surprise, London going from Desmond Ridder in his first two years to Kirk Cousins in Year 3 led to a massive uptick in stats.
Harrison will be opposite of those other wide receivers, starting with a two-time Pro Bowler in Kyler Murray. The 6’3 wide receiver had a capable NFL QB, but still couldn’t put up the numbers similar to his peers. Even in the five full games with Jacoby Brissett as the starter, Harrison only averaged 57.6 yards per game and two touchdowns.
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) scores a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in the first half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Brissett is looked to return as the starter in 2026, unless the franchise commits to drafting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. Regardless of who is under center, Harrison put up the same averages, which could have people looking at the system. Arizona did have the 23rd offense last season under head coach Jonathan Gannon and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing.
New head coach Mike LaFleur could be the answer of unlocking Harrison and be similar to the three examples getting their franchise quarterback. LaFleur is coming from the best offense in the NFL in 2025 and understands how to manage multiple talents like Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. Harrison will be a part of a winning system, similar to his time in Ohio State, and start to resemble his pre-draft hype in the league.
Top experts all have Cardinals pulling off this move in 2026 NFL Draft
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
