Draft Profile Series: Odell Beckham Jr.
- Updated: April 24, 2014
As we approach the deepest NFL Draft in recent memory, I’ll give my breakdown and analysis of 75 top prospects in this year’s class. At the conclusion of this series, I will include my final overall and positional rankings, as well as my mock draft.
Odell Beckham Jr., WR, 5-11, 200, LSU
Key stats: Had 57 catches for 1,117 yards (19.5 ypc) and 8 TDs in 2013
Strengths: Smooth route runner with great elusiveness. … Releases off the snap smoothly and quickly hits top gear. … Is very comfortable in the open field, which makes him a terror after the catch … Also brings that skill set to special teams as a punt/kick returner. … Explodes out of breaks without losing any speed. … Is a natural hands catcher. … Has long arms and big, strong hands. … Attacks the ball in the air and fights for 50-50 balls. … Comes back to the ball very well. … Is a willing blocker. … Played in pro-style offense.
Weaknesses: Has a few too many lapses in concentration. … Could struggle early on against physical corners, as he often was allowed a free release in college. … Is tough, but could use to add some strength.
Conclusions: I think Beckham Jr. is near the top of this class of wide receivers. … He is a competitor and doesn’t have a real weakness outside of being 5-11 and 200 pounds. … He can play on the outside as well as in the slot. With Beckham Jr., teams just need to find ways to get him involved … whether it be on reverses, bubble screens, or regular routes. … He is also a gifted return man which should boost his stock even more.
NFL comparison: Victor Cruz/Antonio Brown.
Draft projection: First Round; should be picked between 10-20.
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