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With the recent news of Hakeem Nicks not likely being retained by the New York Giants, the void at the "X" receiver needs to be filled. Why not do so with the explosive, sure-handed Odell Beckham Jr. of the LSU Tigers? Let's use today's 2014 NFL Draft prospect profile to look at Beckham.
Standing at 6-foot, 195 pounds, he's identical in size to Marqise Lee of USC, but plays much, much differently. Beckham Jr., like Hakeem Nicks, often plays like he is 6-5, 230 pounds. He was a monster playing opposite to his also talented counterpart Jarvis Landry. He finished his year with 59 catches for 1,152 yards and 8 TDs.
Pros
- Exceptional quickness lets him get in and out of cuts very quickly.
- Huge mitts and a natural hands catcher allow him to pluck the ball out of the air.
- Dangerously sneaky speed lets him get downfield much faster than one would expect.
- Physical at the point of the catch allows him to catch a high percentage of contested balls.
- Plus catch radius. Great jumping ability and fantastic hands means he'll take anything within a 5 foot radius.
- Legitimate weapon on special teams.
Cons
- Size does come with limitations.
- Top end speed on fly routes is only average for his build.
- Makes some easy drops.
- Did not perform against tougher competition in 2013.
Does He Fit With The Giants?
Does that description fit Hakeem Nicks? Sure does. They are very similar players. Beckham Jr., is a bit smaller and a bit faster than Nicks is, but he'd fill the same purpose. His route running is good, if not as polished as some other receivers, but he can become a very strong possession receiver capable of consistently winning his one on one battles outside. That's something the Giants desperately missed this past year.
Prospect Video
Odell Beckham Jr. vs Mississippi State 2013 (via JPDraftJedi)
Big Board Rankings
Big Blue View - 41
Mocking The Draft - 27
CBS Sports - 35
Draft Countdown - 77
Draft Tek - 30
Final Thoughts
Opinion is split on Beckham Jr., but there isn't much doubt that in any other draft he'd be a first-round wide receiver. With guys like Mike Evans and Sammy Watkins ahead of him, and Kelvin Benjamin and Marqise Lee competing with him, it's uncertain at this point whether he'll be a top 32 pick.
Nonetheless, there's an iffy chance that the Giants get to pick him in the second round. If he's there, he'll likely be one of the best players available at a position of need, undoubtedly. In my eyes, it looks like he'll go right around where Hakeem Nicks went, in the late 20s to early 30s.
