Cardinals OC says star rookie must earn role 'like everyone else'

The Arizona Cardinals used the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to select the first non-quarterback in Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.

Using valuable draft capital on such a player likely means he'll be a Day 1 starter, but offensive coordinator Drew Petzing revealed on Tuesday that he's not giving Harrison Jr. a free ride.

"In my opinion, he has to be like everyone else if he's going to be the best version of himself," Petzing said, via the Arizona Republic. "The way that he comes in and approaches his job, the way that he goes out there and practices, the way that he integrates himself into the team, if he's going to be the best version of himself, I think those are the things he has to focus on."

It's safe to say Harrison Jr., the son of Hall of Fame wide receiver Marvin Harrison, has a good chance of doing all of that at a high level. Over the past two seasons, he reeled in 144 catches for 2,474 yards and 28 touchdowns.

However, it could be that the Cardinals brass is a little worried about how Harrison Jr. has done things a bit differently thus far.

The Ohio State product did not participate at the NFL Scouting Combine and has yet to sign a preliminary NFLPA licensing agreement.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the agreement allows his name and likeness to be monetized after getting drafted and before formally signing an NFL contract.

Still, Harrison Jr. is by far the most talented wide receiver in Arizona, a group previously highlighted by Michael Wilson, a third-round pick in 2023, and Greg Dortch, an undrafted free agent in 2019.

Arizona will do its best to make Harrison Jr. earn the No. 1 wide receiver role, but it feels as though it's only a matter of time until he proves it on the field. Petzing acknowledged just that.

"We gotta get out on the practice field and watch him move around and see what he does well, and make sure we're trying to utilize the best of his abilities to operate our offense at a high level," Petzing added. "I don't think that's going to change with him as with anyone else that walks into the building."