2014 NFL Draft Profile: Odell Beckham Jr., WR LSU
By Adam Carlson
Jan 1, 2014; Tampa, Fl, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Odell Beckham (3) leaps over his teammate during the first half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
LSU wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. made a bit of a name for himself at the combine. He impressed at the 40 yard dash and reported to do very well in team interviews. Prior to that, he was a dynamic playmaking pass catcher that has the potential to take the ball into the endzone any time he touches the ball.
Beckham will not fill the need of a lot of teams looking for a receiver because of his height. He stands only 5’11” and weighs in at 198 pounds. He will most likely be regulated to slot duties on whatever team decides to draft him. He adds to his value by having experience as a punt and kick returner at the college level, although he never found the end zone on any of the returns.
Beckham entered the draft after his junior year at LSU and could have found himself in a better position had he played one more year. He could have improved upon his touchdown totals and worked a bit harder at improving some of his blocking skills.
Here are his statistics over 3 years at LSU:
Jan 1, 2014; Tampa, Fl, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Odell Beckham (3) celebrates after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes 21-14 at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
141 receptions
2305 receiving yards
12 touchdowns
7 rushes
77 rushing yards
58 punt returns
538 punt return yards
40 kick returns
1005 kick return yards
Strengths
- Can act as an effective punt or kick returner
- Elusive
- Accelerates quickly
- Good hands
- Solid route runner
Weaknesses
- Shorter height
- Upper body strength
- Poor at blocking downfield
Fit For The Vikings
Minnesota doesn’t have a huge need for a slot receiver unless Jarius Wright proves not to be effective.
My Take
The Vikings should pass on Beckham with both their first and second round picks. A team looking for a dynamic player will most likely snatch him up late in the first round.