2014 NFL Combine Preview: First Round Wide Receivers to Watch
By Ben Nielsen
Jan 1, 2014; Tampa, Fl, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Odell Beckham (3) reacts and celebrates after they scored a touchdown against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. LSU Tigers defeated the Iowa Hawkeyes 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
School: LSU
Watch to Watch: 40-Time, Height and Weight, Vertical
2013 Stats: 57 receptions, 1,117 yards, 19.6 ypc, eight touchdowns
Met with Chiefs: No
Beckham in college was a slower version of Percy Harvin – a guy who can make big plays no matter where you put him on the field. Whether it was returning punts or kicks, catching screens, running reverses, or taking a slant and running with it, Beckham was gaining huge chunks of yardage. In 62 plays his junior season, Beckham averaged 19 yards per touch. That’s just insane.
What is more insane is the knock on Beckham, among other things, is he does not have elite top end speed. Throw that in with his size – listed as 6-0, 193 pounds by LSU – and there are suggestions Beckham cannot be a number one receiver in the NFL. A good combine could disprove some of these notions for Beckham.
His height is a bit of an issue if he comes in under six-feet, but he can trump that if he posts a 40-time close to 4.4 or below. There is also the issue of Beckham’s ability to win jump balls downfield. Some things can be corrected in terms of technique, but if he doesn’t post an excellent vertical while also measuring under six-feet in size then he’s going to have an issue. Technique can only go so far without certain athletic skills.
The more throw you start taking away from Beckham, the lower his ceiling falls. Kansas City needs to find a true number one receiver in the draft if they spend their first round pick on a receiver. Beckham has to prove he has that ceiling if he wants to be selected by the Chiefs.