The Arizona Cardinals are once again under the national spotlight as one of the most pivotal teams in the 2025 NFL Draft. With a chance to reshape their franchise after a difficult stretch, expectations are sky-high in the desert. And in a move that continues to fuel debate, a prominent national outlet has doubled down on their prediction for Arizona’s top selection.
In the latest mock draft released this week, The Athletic reaffirmed its belief that the Cardinals will use their first-round pick to select wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. out of Ohio State. It’s a projection that comes as no surprise to those closely following the draft buildup, yet its repetition from a respected outlet carries weight. With trade speculation, quarterback uncertainty across the league, and multiple high-profile prospects making noise, the decision to stick with Harrison Jr. suggests the Cardinals are seen by many as playing it safe — or smart — depending on whom you ask.
Harrison Jr. is widely viewed as one of the cleanest, most NFL-ready prospects in years. The son of Hall of Fame receiver Marvin Harrison Sr., the younger Harrison has carved out his own identity on the field. During his three-year career in Columbus, he became a force, torching Big Ten defenses with his precise route running, elite ball skills, and imposing 6-foot-4 frame. His production and polish have earned comparisons to elite receivers currently starring on Sundays, and he’s frequently described as “can’t miss.”
For a Cardinals team still in the process of rebuilding under general manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon, the pick would represent a foundational building block on offense. Though quarterback Kyler Murray returned to action late last season, questions remain about his long-term viability as the franchise centerpiece. Still, Arizona’s front office appears intent on giving Murray every opportunity to prove he can be the guy, and surrounding him with elite talent like Harrison is a logical next step.
The Cardinals currently hold the No. 4 overall pick, a position that leaves them in an interesting spot. With the Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders, and New England Patriots picking ahead of them — all teams with potential quarterback needs — Arizona may have the luxury of seeing multiple QBs go off the board early, allowing them to take the best non-quarterback available. That player, almost universally, is Harrison Jr.
Of course, the Cardinals aren’t lacking in needs. They could bolster their offensive line, beef up their defense, or entertain offers to trade down and accumulate more picks in what is considered a deep draft. But sticking at No. 4 and selecting Harrison is increasingly being viewed as a move that can energize both the fan base and the offense.
Last season, Arizona’s passing game was one of the least explosive in the league. Despite flashes of brilliance from wideouts like rookie Michael Wilson and the reliability of tight end Trey McBride, the Cardinals lacked a consistent game-breaker on the outside. Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, once thought to be a top target for Murray, struggled with inconsistency and injuries, and he is now a free agent. That leaves a massive void on the perimeter — one that Harrison could immediately fill.
The Athletic’s decision to double down on the Harrison pick also underscores how unlikely it seems that the Cardinals would go in another direction. There’s buzz about LSU’s Malik Nabers and Washington’s Rome Odunze, both of whom are highly regarded receiver prospects in their own right. But Harrison, thanks to his size, production, and NFL pedigree, is often viewed as the crown jewel of the receiver class. Even as other prospects surge in the pre-draft process, Harrison’s grip on the top receiver spot remains tight.
Beyond his on-field talents, Harrison represents a culture fit for a franchise trying to turn the page. Known for his work ethic, quiet confidence, and leadership, he would bring an immediate professional presence to Arizona’s locker room. Those traits are not lost on decision-makers who place high value on character, especially when making a top-five selection.
Still, not everyone is convinced the Cardinals will hold onto the pick. With several quarterback-needy teams lurking in the top ten — including the Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos — there’s speculation Arizona could auction off the pick to the highest bidder. That would allow them to trade back, pick up additional first-rounders, and still land a blue-chip prospect. However, recent comments from Gannon and Ossenfort suggest they’re more focused on adding elite talent than trading down for volume. If Harrison is on the board at four, the temptation to sprint the card to the podium may be too strong to resist.
The reaffirmation from The Athletic also comes at a time when mock drafts are beginning to stabilize. With the NFL Combine in the rearview and pro days largely complete, the information gap that teams and analysts once faced is closing. As a result, predictions are becoming more grounded, more reflective of conversations happening behind closed doors. For The Athletic to not only mock Harrison to Arizona again, but to double down on it, suggests a level of confidence in their sources and analysis.
That doesn’t mean the situation is without intrigue. There are still variables that could shift the draft landscape in the coming weeks. A surprise pick in the top three, a blockbuster trade, or even off-field news could shake up the board. But as things stand, Arizona’s selection of Harrison is viewed as a near-certainty in league circles — a fact that’s only bolstered by respected analysts continuing to beat the same drum.
For Cardinals fans, the idea of landing Harrison is an exciting one. After years of offensive inconsistency and instability, pairing Kyler Murray with a generational wideout offers hope for a brighter future. It also signals that Arizona is serious about competing in a suddenly wide-open NFC West. With the Seahawks undergoing changes, the Rams retooling, and the 49ers continuing to juggle their roster around a star-studded core, the window for Arizona to rise may not be as distant as it once appeared.
Of course, drafting Harrison is only one piece of the puzzle. The Cardinals must continue to hit on their other picks, develop their young talent, and perhaps most critically, ensure Murray returns to his pre-injury form. But every franchise rebuild starts with a signature moment — a player that defines the beginning of a new era. Harrison could very well be that player.
Time will tell if the Cardinals ultimately make the selection. Draft season is notorious for its unpredictability, and what seems certain in April can unravel in a matter of minutes on draft night. But for now, with The Athletic doubling down and public sentiment leaning in the same direction, all signs point to Marvin Harrison Jr. wearing red and white when the dust settles.
In a year where the top of the draft is loaded with star power, the Cardinals are in a position of strength. And if they choose to use that power to grab the best receiver prospect in years, few would argue against it. After all, sometimes the obvious pick is the right one — and in Harrison’s case, the fit feels almost inevitable.
As the countdown to the 2025 NFL Draft continues, the chorus of voices projecting Harrison to Arizona grows louder. And with each mock that reinforces the connection, the more it feels like destiny. For the Cardinals, the hope is that this pairing doesn’t just look good on paper — but turns into the cornerstone of a new chapter, one where Arizona finally rises to meet its long-awaited potential.