CJ Stroud questions NFL Draft criticism of Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr.: 'Don't be dumb'

We’re days away from the NFL Draft and Marvin Harrison Jr seems to be going through the spin cycle. Is the former Buckeye the best receiver available or is it someone from Washington or LSU?

So out steps Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, another former Ohio State star who used to throw touchdown passes to Harrison. In fact, Harrison made Stroud, last year’s NFL rookie of the year, look quite good at Ohio State.

Call Stroud Harrison’s unofficial pitchman. Earlier this week, the Texans quarterback talked up Harrison as the Texans kicked off voluntary workouts. Keep in mind, Houston isn’t in a position to select Harrison in the NFL Draft. They don’t even own a pick in the first round.

“I think I read something like he’s NFL ready, but other guys have more potential,” Stroud told reporters. “That makes no sense. Like, what? If you’re ‘NFL ready,’ how is that not potential? You want longevity. You want somebody who’s been doing it. For him, that’s what he sleeps, eats and he breathes. He’s a worldly talent, but also his work ethic and how he gravitates that room.”

Then Stroud brought up a moment in 2022, when both played for the Buckeyes. “I challenged him that last year when Jaxon [Smith-Njigba] went down, he had to take over as leader, and he did that,” Stroud said. “He’s not really vocal, but he became vocal, and you can see his personality start to come out as he started to play more.”

Then Stroud turned a bit wistful in regards to Harrison, the two-time unanimous All-American. Maybe one day they’ll be on the roster again. But for it to happen this season, it would be akin to an NFL Draft miracle.

“For me, I think I would love to play with him again,” Stroud said of Harrison. “I probably won’t get that opportunity for a while, but I’m super proud of him. Whoever’s up there man, be smart. Don’t be dumb. Don’t think too hard.”

Coincidentally, Mel Kiler, ESPN’s NFL Draft analyst, also told at least one team something similar. Barring trades, the Arizona Cardinals would be the first team to consider selecting Harrison. The Cardinals own the fourth pick, but could slide down. Kiper told Arizona not to over think the pick because Harrison is another version of former Arizona great Larry Fitzgerald.

There could be four quarterbacks who go amongst the first 10 picks of the NFL Draft. And there also could be three receivers. Harrison may be the best of the three, which also include Malik Nabers (LSU) and Rome Odunze (Washington).