Michael Wilson trending up in WR1 battle as Marvin Harrison Jr. has case of the drops

GLENDALE — Can Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson repeat his breakout 2025 season after stepping into the WR1 role? That’s been the big question surrounding the pass catcher this offseason, especially with Wilson up for a contract extension.

So far this training camp, he’s making that looming decision look relatively easy for the franchise (depending on the dollar amount, obviously).

He should have the nickname “Mr. Consistency” the way he’s performed this past week. With or without pads, Wilson is proving 2025 might not have been a wild outlier that was attributed by a poor run game and a whole lot of passing.

When he’s been given the opportunity to make plays, he’s done it more times than not.

The first day of padded practice on Tuesday proved that to just about everyone in attendance.

 

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And unlike in the previous offense under Drew Petzing, where the X receiver was the primary option most of the time, Wilson as the Z is going to see more first reads in head coach Mike LaFleur’s scheme.

A big part of why Wilson succeeding last year was because he was moved over to the X with Marvin Harrison Jr. sidelined with injury. The rest is history, with Wilson showing everyone that he could put up serious numbers given the chance.

In an offense tailored on motioning guys around the formation and keeping things unpredictable for the defense, Wilson is going to get his at a much higher clip. His play just solidifies that.

For LaFleur, it’s about putting his playmakers in the best position to succeed play by play.

Harrison, however, is giving people reasons to be concerned.

While the wideout has made plenty of catches this camp — highlighted by his deep catch over Sean Murphy-Bunting last week — and is getting good separation, the drops are standing out big time.

One of the most glaring came Tuesday during 11-on-11 work.

Tough rep for Marvin Harrison Jr… pic.twitter.com/JOcKNpG8vP

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) July 28, 2026

Despite having no one around him, Harrison started looking to turn up field before securing the rock. An audible groan from the fans in the State Farm Stadium stands followed.

The flashback of his wide-open drop against the San Francisco 49ers last year quickly entered the brain. Similarly, Harrison tried to get a peak up field before the ball was there.

He followed his drop with a couple of solid catches, but the optics of the miscue remain.

Since entering the league as the No. 4 overall pick in 2024, Harrison has nine drops on his NFL resume, according to Pro Football Reference.

Wilson, meanwhile, has four total in three seasons of work despite having more targets (255) than Harrison (189), including one drop with his increased workload last year.

We’re getting to the point now where when the ball is headed in Wilson’s direction, the thinking is he’s coming down with it as a WR1 should.

That’s just not the case with Harrison, who despite having some serious highlight reel plays in his first two seasons of work, has yet to nail down the consistency needed to be a WR1 everyone can trust play in and play out.

And with Harrison eligible for a fifth-year option after this season, there could be some tough decisions if he can’t shake the drops. Staying healthy is going to be key here, too.

After all, the Los Angeles Chargers’ Quentin Johnston and Minnesota Vikings’ Jordan Addison saw their fifth-year options reach $18 million this offseason based on playing time and have zero Pro Bowls between them. They were also drafted way later than Harrison, in the 20s.

That will be a much higher number for Harrison if his playing time meets the criteria or he makes the Pro Bowl.

It’s something the Cardinals are going to have to work through if Harrison can’t reach the expectations many have for him.

Other Cardinals training camp odds and ends

– It didn’t take long into the first day of padded practice for a light scuffle to ensue. Budda Baker and Elijah Higgins were the culprits and a flag was thrown, though the situation deescalated quickly.

Interestingly enough, that was the closest thing to a skirmish all afternoon.

– There’s been a common theme about LaFleur’s practice setup so far. There’s a ton of 11-on-11 work. There has yet to be any 7-on-7s, 1-on-1s, etc. in camp. There’s a clear emphasis on team and nailing down the scheme happening before us.

– Running back Trey Benson got his first crack at team drills this camp after getting solely individual work throughout the first block of practices.

He fell in line behind Tyler Allgeier, Love and Bam Knight and flashed some of his speed. Getting into team drills is a step in the right direction for Benson, who needs all the positives he can get in a crowded running backs room.

– As for James Conner, still no 11-on-11s for him yet.

– There was clearly an emphasis on running the rock and using heavy packages with the pads on for the first time Tuesday. Can you say, 13 personnel?

– Cardinals rookie quarterback Carson Beck had his best day in camp so far after struggling in the first block of work.

He stood out during red zone work, finishing things off with a touchdown to wide receiver Xavier Weaver.

– Speaking of Weaver, he’s been a sneaky red zone target this camp with multiple scores so far.

– Whatever Budda Baker switched up in his offseason routine is clearly working as he continues to be among the bright spots defensively.

– The addition of replay videos, which have been a big plus, isn’t just for training camp. Once the team gets back in Tempe, video boards of some kind will follow. They just won’t be jumbotrons.

– P.J. Mustipher was banged up and seen limping during practice. It’s unclear what exactly the issue was.

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