Is it possible that Marvin Harrison Jr. is doing himself no favors by opting out of the Pro Day? This year, numerous athletes have surprised some traditionalists by choosing not to work out at the Combine or Pro Days. Harrison opted out of both. Former wide receiver James Jones was taken aback by the Buckeyes’ WR options.
James Jones, co-host of “The Speak,” spoke out on “The Herd” against Marvin Harrison Jr.‘s decision to skip workouts. Jones, recognized for his forthright style, emphasized the significance of demonstrating talents to scouts and maintaining the competitive spirit.
"If we're really keeping it 100, Calvin Johnson was better than you in college."
— @89JonesNTAF calls out Marvin Harrison Jr. for not working at OSU's pro day pic.twitter.com/ZK4xPVzmmE
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) March 29, 2024
During the episode, Jones mentioned LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers’ outstanding performance at his Pro Day. Jones underlined that if he were Harrison, he would have embraced every opportunity to exhibit his ability.
James Jones Goes Off on Marvin Harrison Jr.
He said that he would have done all possible to outperform Malik Nabers and show the scouts who the better wide receiver was. He said,
“It’s a lot of dudes that have your talent if not better talent that still did the Pro Day to show the scouts that what y’all see on film? That ain’t nothing. Watch when y’all see me out here at my pro day. And I’m cool with you not working out at the Combine but for me where’s the competitive nature?…Even if my Pro Day has passed or my Pro Day is coming up, like I’m going to show these dudes that Malik Nabers ain’t got nothing on me. That’s just the competitor in me. I don’t like these dudes nowadays just going ‘I’m not doing nothing!’“
He also mentioned former renowned wide receiver Calvin Johnson, who spent nine seasons with the Detroit Lions. Despite his popularity and outstanding accomplishments during his college football days at Georgia Tech, Johnson attended his pro day to prove himself to scouts, and was eventually taken as the second overall pick in the 2007 NFL draft.
James Jones emphasized the lack of competitiveness among today’s players and expressed concern about the trend of some sportsmen declining to participate in such important games despite their talent. He stated that, despite scouts’ high regard for Harrison Jr., demonstrating his competitive edge may have distinguished him from other talented prospects.