Marvin Harrison Jr. explains controversial predraft decisions

Ohio State Buckeyes star wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. received criticism for not working out at the NFL Scouting Combine, declining to participate in interviews at the combine and passing on a potential pro day workout. 

Harrison Jr. explained his thinking while speaking with NFL Media at a predraft event on Wednesday. 

"Just talking to my dad, we decided what's best for us: to prepare for the NFL season, not prepare for the combine or pro day or anything like that," Harrison Jr. said, as shared by Eric Edholm of the NFL's website. "So, take our time to do our due diligence. Also resting after the season, getting your body right. I'm training to play football, so that's what we've got to do at the end of the day. So we trained to play football instead."

His dad, of course, is Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison. 

Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated insisted that Harrison Jr. "did the right thing by not working out for teams" and "lost nothing" by preparing for life in the NFL his way. However, some NFL coaches and scouts recently told Bruce Feldman of The Athletic they feel that Malik Nabers of the LSU Tigers and not Harrison Jr. is the best receiver in this year's draft class. 

On Wednesday, Sportskeeda consulting editor and NFL Draft analyst Tony Pauline wrote that Harrison Jr. had "done everything wrong in the predraft process." 

DraftKings Sportsbook lists Harrison Jr. as the betting favorite at -225 odds to be the draft's fourth pick as of Wednesday afternoon. Such information indicates bettors believe the Arizona Cardinals will stay at No. 4 and grab Harrison Jr. with that asset. 

"Whatever happens, happens," Harrison Jr. said about what he'll experience at the draft on Thursday night. "I'll be grateful for whatever, however it works out."

If Arizona trades the fourth pick to a team looking to draft North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye or Michigan signal-caller J.J. McCarthy, the Los Angeles Chargers could take Harrison Jr. at No. 5. The New York Giants desperately need a No. 1 receiver and may happily select Harrison Jr. if he falls to them at the sixth pick on Thursday.