To start his pro career, former Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. was the fourth overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft by the Arizona Cardinals. However, he was not very good during his tenure with the Cardinals. He struggled to make the same impact he made with the Buckeyes.
Harrison Jr. was one of the best receivers Ohio State has had in modern history. Over the weekend, it was reported that Harrison Jr. was being traded to another team, although it wasn't reported which team it was. Now, we know he has been traded to the Houston Texans to play with former teammate C.J. Stroud.
C.J. Stroud loves that he's reunited with former Ohio State teammate Marvin Harrison Jr.
Shortly after the Texans got their first win of the season over the Titans, Stroud was asked how he feels about reuniting with Harrison Jr. He seems excited to be able to throw the ball to him.
"I think he brings a dynamic playmaker, somebody who runs great routes. Can catch really any ball. I'm super-excited to get with him. I loved him in college. He’s probably the hardest worker I’ve ever been around in my life...I'm excited to get him in here and around the other guys."
Harrison Jr. did not look like a hard worker when he was in Arizona. He was criticized for his lazy route running and for many drops. However, he was great when he was with Stroud, and that's what he remembers. If he is anything like was in college, the Texans may have gotten a steal.
Houston decided to trade a second-round and a sixth-round pick in the 2027 draft for Harrison Jr. and a 2027 seventh-round pick. The Texans are now 1-4 on the season after beating the Titans, in which Stroud threw for 261 yards and recorded two touchdowns.
Marvin Harrison Jr. needs to make the most of this opportunity
The last time Harrison Jr. caught a pass from Stroud was in the 2023 Peach Bowl against Georgia, a game in which the Buckeyes lost by a point. Harrison Jr. caught two touchdowns in that game. He has to bring that sort of energy to Houston in order to make this work.
Stroud has had a disappointing collection of weapons in his time as the Texans' quarterback. Most of his receivers have struggled to stay healthy, which has affected his ability to grow as a quarterback. He is in a contract year, and he decided to bet on himself.
However, this situation puts more pressure on Harrison Jr. If he can't succeed with his college quarterback, then he might end up being a bust. I have faith that he will be able to find the magic he had when he was in Columbus, though. He's just too good not to.
Harrison Jr. will likely make his Texans debut next week when the team travels to London to take on the Jaguars, who are in first place in the AFC South. He will have a shot to make a good impression against the best team in the division.
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