Marvin Harrison Jr.'s Davante Adams-Like Role for Cardinals Revealed By HC Mike LaFleur

The Arizona Cardinals would surely love if Marvin Harrison Jr. followed in Davante Adams' footsteps during his career, and the third-year playmaker will be playing a similar role in 2026.

Head coach Mike LaFleur said the plan is for Harrison to play the Adams role as an X receiver while Michael Wilson is "closer to the core" in a Puka Nacua-like role as the Z receiver, per Theo Mackie of AZ Central Sports.

LaFleur also suggested Kendrick Bourne will see more time in the slot.

Arizona selected Harrison with the No. 4 overall pick of the 2024 NFL draft amid sky-high expectations that he is yet to fully reach. He has been solid but unspectacular and finished the 2025 season with 41 catches for 608 yards and four touchdowns.

That was a drop from his rookie campaign when he posted 62 catches for 885 yards and eight touchdowns, although the Ohio State product was limited to just 12 games in his second year.

As for Adams, he is one of the best receivers of his generation with three First-Team All-Pro selections, six Pro Bowl nods and six seasons with more than 1,000 receiving yards on his resume.

Even in his age-33 season in 2025, the veteran led the league with 14 touchdown receptions for a Los Angeles Rams team that reached the NFC Championship Game.

Harrison has plenty of talent and potential, but he has a ways to go to reach Adams' overall impact. But he will look to take significant strides in his third season, which starts Sept. 13 when the Cardinals hit the road to face the Los Angeles Chargers.