Cardinals aiming to transform offense with 'freak of nature' rookie

In a move that could electrify the Arizona Cardinals offense, the team drafted former Ohio State star Marvin Harrison Jr. in April. He'll be reuniting with tackle and former college teammate Paris Johnson Jr. in the desert.

Johnson, who anchored the Buckeyes' offensive line during Harrison's standout 2022 season that included 1,263 yards and 14 TD catches, expressed confidence in their upcoming partnership.

"Just throw it to Marvin and we'll be good," the tackle said recently, outlining the strategy to maximize Harrison's impact alongside quarterback Kyler Murray.

Selected third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, Harrison arrives in Arizona after a decorated college career which was capped off when he won the 2023 Biletnikoff Award as the best receiver in college football. His ability to win one-on-one matchups and manipulate coverage has the Cardinals anticipating a dynamic offensive resurgence.

Last season, Arizona averaged 324.1 yards per game, 19th in the NFL.

Returning from an ACL injury last season, Murray started eight games, winning three. With a full offseason under his belt, the former No. 1 overall pick must boost a Cardinals passing game that struggled last season without high-end weapons at wide receiver. Arizona threw for the 26th-most yards in the NFL last season (3,430).

Murray, entering his sixth NFL season, believes Harrison will elevate the Cardinals' offense to new heights.

"But as far as manipulating coverage and stuff like that," Murray said after mandatory minicamp, per Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com , "you got a guy (Harrison) out there that can do that and even if he's not open, he's open."

Earlier this week, Cardinals tight end Trey McBride called Harrison a "freak of nature."

With Harrison as a primary target, Arizona is aiming to transform into one of the league's better offenses this coming season.

Cardinals rookies and veterans report to training camp Tuesday.