After a rookie season that fell short of sky-high expectations, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. finds himself in an intriguing position entering 2025. The fourth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft finished his debut campaign with 62 receptions for 885 yards and eight touchdowns—solid numbers that were overshadowed by the enormous expectations placed on the son of Hall of Fame receiver Marvin Harrison Sr.
The Foundation Is There
Despite finishing as the WR29 overall in fantasy points per game, Harrison Jr.’s underlying metrics suggest a breakout could be imminent. He ranked third in the league in end zone targets (17) and ninth in air yards (1,518), indicating the Cardinals were targeting him in high-value situations. His eight touchdown receptions tied the Cardinals’ rookie record, matching legends Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin.
The volume was encouraging as well. His 114 targets were 19th in the league, demonstrating that Arizona viewed him as a primary option despite the presence of Pro Bowl tight end Trey McBride, who led the team with 111 receptions for 1,146 yards on 139 targets.
What Went Wrong in Year One
Harrison Jr.’s rookie struggles weren’t entirely his fault. Advanced analytics reveal that quarterback Kyler Murray’s quick-release tendencies limited opportunities for intermediate routes to develop. Harrison saw just one target all season during pre-snap motion and zero designed screens, indicating the Cardinals’ failure to create easy opportunities for their top draft pick.
The schematic deployment also worked against fantasy production. More than one quarter of Harrison’s routes were “go” routes, which were the second most (25.9%) in the league. This heavy reliance on deep routes contributed to inconsistent target distribution and limited his ability to accumulate volume-based fantasy points.
Reasons for 2025 Optimism
Several factors point toward significant improvement in Harrison Jr.’s sophomore season. The receiver has reportedly added muscle mass during the offseason, addressing one of his primary weaknesses. “I definitely put on some pounds,” Harrison said. “I think I added some muscle to my body a little bit”, which should help with contested catches and yards after contact.
Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon has expressed confidence in the expected Year 2 jump. “When the staff is in place, the jump from Year 1 to Year 2, I think that’s where guys make a huge jump,” Gannon said, noting that Harrison “went to work” on his weaknesses this offseason.
The scheme should also evolve to better utilize Harrison Jr.’s skillset. Harrison had an 83.3% catch rate when he was the secondary, check-down or designed target, suggesting he could be highly effective if given more underneath opportunities.
Fantasy Outlook and Draft Position
Fantasy analysts are positioning Harrison Jr. as a prime candidate for a sophomore breakout. ESPN’s Mike Clay ranks Harrison No. 22 for 2025, listing him as a fringe WR2, while multiple experts view him as a potential league-winner if everything clicks.
The Cardinals’ offensive evolution could be a key catalyst. Arizona saw their pass rate over expectation rise from -5.1% over the first 10 weeks to +6.7% over their final seven games last season, indicating a shift toward a more pass-heavy approach that could benefit Harrison Jr.
His current fantasy football consensus ranking places him around WR21 in fantasy football mock drafts, representing significant value compared to his rookie season draft position. Fantasy experts consider him a top breakout candidate, with one analyst noting, “I’m not jumping ship though, as even his dad, Marvin Sr., wasn’t a star as a rookie”. He could be a key part of your fantasy football draft strategy this year.
The Bottom Line
Harrison Jr. enters 2025 with all the tools necessary for a fantasy breakout. His rookie season provided a solid foundation with elite target quality, and the expected improvements in scheme, chemistry with Murray, and physical development should translate to significant statistical gains. While he may not reach the elite WR1 tier in Year 2, his combination of talent, opportunity, and improved circumstances makes him an excellent mid-round target with league-winning upside.
Fantasy managers should view Harrison Jr. as a prime buy-low candidate whose best days are ahead. With a full NFL season under his belt and an entire offseason to build chemistry with Murray, the stage is set for the sophomore receiver to finally live up to his generational prospect billing.
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