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Marvin Harrison Jr., Frank Gore Jr., Brenden Rice & Legacy Players in 2024 NFL Draft

Joseph Zucker

You would've had to live under a rock for the last three years to not know the familial connections for Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. Ahead of the 2024 NFL draft, fans may not be aware of how many other second-generation players populate the class, though.

The Athletic's Dane Brugler listed off the father-son combos in the 2024 class and projected which of the two will lay claim to having gotten selected earlier. Harrison leads the way as the No. 1 overall player on Bleacher Report's big board.

Second-Generation Players in 2024 NFL Draft Class

The Buckeyes star will likely to be the first from the group to hear his name called by commissioner Roger Goodell. He was the No. 4 overall pick to the Arizona Cardinals in B/R's most recent mock draft.

Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt could challenge Harrison for the honor. Alt is the fifth-ranked prospect on B/R's big board and went seventh to the Tennessee Titans in the mock draft.

Being the child of a famous athlete can be a heavy burden to carry and bring with it almost impossible expectations. But it didn't take long into his college career for Marvin Jr. to make people wonder whether he could surpass his father on the gridiron. Over the past two seasons, he caught 144 passes for 2,474 yards and 28 touchdowns.

Frank Gore Jr. sits at the opposite end of the spectrum. The Southern Miss running back finished his career with 4,022 yards and 26 touchdowns on the ground but went unranked on B/R's big board.

Frank Jr. may have a hard time matching his dad's five Pro Bowl appearances and a spot on one of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's All-Decade teams.

Speaking of big shoes to fill, USC's Brenden Rice will have to become the greatest receiver of all time to exceed his father's legacy. A 13-time Pro Bowler and 10-time All-Pro, Jerry Rice remains the all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards.

Between his spells at Colorado and USC, Brenden had 111 receptions for 1,821 yards and 21 scores. He's the No. 152 overall player and the 25th-best wideout on the B/R big board.

   

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