Reggie Wayne: Marvin Harrison Jr. is ‘a better prospect than his dad’

Reggie Wayne: Marvin Harrison Jr. is ‘a better prospect than his dad’

As the son of the greatest receiver in Colts history, Marvin Harrison Jr. has attracted draft attention even while being ineligible.

Harrison Jr. participated in Ohio State’s Pro Day, catching passes from quarterback prospect C.J. Stroud. The Ohio State receiver is less than three years out of high school, which makes him unable to declare for the draft until next year. The sentiment around the league, however, is that Harrison Jr. is a first-round caliber draft pick right now.

Indianapolis Colts wide receivers coach Reggie Wayne made his thoughts about Marvin Harrison Jr. very clear, implying he might be better, on paper, than his father.

“He’s bigger than Marvin,” Wayne said. “He’s tall. He’s faster than Marv.”

Harrison Jr. has remained humble throughout the hype.

“He’s taught me pretty much everything I know ‒ more so the mentality of the game and how to approach the game,” Harrison Jr. said about his father. “I try to work as hard as he did. He obviously set the bar very high, and I have big shoes to fill, but I’m trying to get there.”

The Colts are currently in the market for a quarterback in this years NFL draft. If passed on by Carolina and Houston, Stroud could fall right into the lap of Indianapolis at fourth overall, thus making Marvin Harrison Jr. a perfect draft target for the Colts in 2024. Such a reality could allow Wayne to coach the son of one of his best teammates.

CJ Stroud 2023 NFL Draft Profile

Is Harrison Jr. Surpassing his Dad Realistic?

Marvin Harrison Sr. accumulated over 1,100 receptions, 14,580 yards receiving, and 128 touchdowns in 13 seasons — all of which were spent in Indianapolis. Harrison Sr. and Peyton Manning still own the NFL records for the most yards and touchdowns between a quarterback and wide receiver.

Harrison Sr.’s counterpart in the Colts’ offense was Reggie Wayne. Wayne, a future hall of famer in his own right, would know better than anyone how great Harrison Sr. was. Making the assertion that Harrison Jr. could surpass his his father’s legacy is not fair. Trying to give young player caught in their dad’s shadow confidence is another thing.

Whichever team has the the chance to draft Harrison Jr. in 2024 will be making a wise investment. He understands the game at a professional level at just 20 years old. The team that drafts his former college quarterback, C.J. Stroud, may look to make that investment in Harrison Jr. If that team ends up being the Colts, it will make for very interesting storylines.

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