Marvin Harrison Jr. explains his decision to skip pre-draft workouts

Jan 1, 2022; Pasadena, CA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) celebrates after a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Utah Utes during the 2022 Rose Bowl college football game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Marvin Harrison Jr. made the somewhat controversial decision to skip pre-draft workouts with teams ahead of the NFL Draft, and he was quite upfront as to why he chose that route.

The standout wide receiver said he chose not to prepare for Ohio State’s pro day or the NFL Combine in part because he did not feel it would be productive. Harrison said he and his father made the decision not because he was confident in where he would be selected, but because he felt that teams in position to draft him were already well aware of his skills.

“Just talking to my dad, we decided what’s best for us: to prepare for the NFL season, not prepare for the combine or pro day or anything like that,” Harrison told Eric Edholm of NFL Media. “So, take our time to do our due diligence. Also resting after the season, getting your body right.

“I’m training to play football, so that’s what we’ve got to do at the end of the day. So we trained to play football instead.”

Harrison’s point is one that some others have made. Being good at drills and posting great measurables can certainly help, but they do not necessarily translate to in-game skill. Harrison proved himself as an elite prospect at Ohio State and clearly felt no need to do more. By the sound of it, his draft stock has not been negatively impacted by his decision.

Harrison should be one of the first names off the board on Thursday, though it is reportedly a question whether he will be the top wide receiver taken.