PHOENIX — Larry legend has spoken. Former Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald wants the team to select Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr. in the upcoming NFL draft.
“He’s a stud,” said Fitzgerald. “If he's there, I hope we get him. Kyler (Murray) would love to throw it to him. I saw him working out at Ohio State some years back. I’m a big fan of his father (Hall of Famer receiver Marvin Harrison), and from everything I’ve heard, he’s just a good hard working young man. You can never have enough high character, outstanding talented football players because those guys that are the pillars of your foundation.”
While speaking on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, former Cardinals kicker and current NFL analyst Jay Feely said he thinks Harrison Jr. is “the next Larry Fitzgerald.” Larry disagrees.
“He’s a heck of a lot more talented than I was at that age,” Fitzgerald said about the 21-year-old. “He can take short passes and go long. He can go over the top. He's a willing participant like in terms of blocking in the run game. I wasn't a willing participant until like 2013 later in my career. I did it begrudgingly, but he does it already in college and he does it does it really well. So if he's there, I definitely would love to see him in Cardinal red.”
Cardinals hold the fourth overall pick in the draft, and only time will tell if Harrison will be available. The Cardinals need a #1 wide receiver to pair with quarterback Kyler Murray.
Many NFL scouts believe Harrison Jr. is one of the best receiver prospects of the past decade. He’s a 6-foot-4 speedster that can run every route and break tackles after the catch. Harrison Jr. caught at least one touchdown in eight straight games last season.
Last time the Cardinals drafted a receiver in the first round was back in 2004, and he (Larry Fitzgerald) went on to catch 1,432 passes for 17,492 yards and 121 touchdowns in his career, all with the Cardinals.
Fitzgerald is second only to Hall of Famer Jerry Rice in receiving yards and receptions and is sixth all-time in receiving touchdowns. Speaking of the Cardinals, Fitzgerald is a believer in this new regime with head coach Jonathan Gannon and General Manager Monti Ossenfort.
“I think Monty is outstanding,” Fitzgerald said. “He’s smart football guy, and I don't think he puts the needs of today, in front of what the needs will be for years to come. I really liked the way he's constructing the team, the way he's put it together and the pieces that he's going to continue to add. We have a slew of draft picks this year. I love the way he thinks about it, and I'm excited about what the future holds for my guys.”
Fitzgerald speaking 1-on-1 with 12Sports journalist Cameron Cox at media day for his 14th annual Fitz’s Supper Club, a fundraising event benefiting the Larry Fitzgerald Foundation. Last year this event raised a record-breaking $1 million.
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