Giants Draft 2014: Pick by Pick Analysis and Grades

Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

1st Round (#12 overall): Odell Beckham Jr, WR, LSU

James’ Take:

Beckham Jr. was the second highest player available on my personal big board (Aaron Donald was #1), so value wise this was a good pick by Giants GM, Jerry Reese.  Odell might be the best route runner in this class of wide receivers and his catch radius is pretty ridiculous for a guy his size.  Talking about size, one of the biggest concerns voiced by Giants fans with the Beckham selection tends to involve his 5’11 stature.  He more than makes up with his incredible 38.5in vertical and his skills still project him to be an outside threat.  He also adds fantastic run after the catch ability and can contribute in the return game, if needed.  A great comp that I like for Beckham, especially considering the offense the Giants will most likely be running this year, is Greg Jennings.  This grade would probably be an A, but my only concern is WR was such a deep position in this year’s draft class, that I feel like the talent disparity between Beckham and guys who went later in the draft is a lot smaller than some other positions, such as defensive tackle.

GRADE: B+

Felix’s Take:

The constant clamor from fans was the need for either a quality offensive lineman, or Eric Ebron, the perceived top tight end. Instead, even with long rumored favorite Zack Martin on the board, the Giants chose Beckham out of LSU to bolster their receiving corps. The pick was great. While the average person would love a Mike Evans because of his rare combination of height and speed, OBJ brings the same type of outside threat to help keep Victor Cruz inside. With 10 inch hands, polished route running and explosive speed, Beckham may become the best receiver in this draft long-term. His presence will aid Eli, who he has known and worked out with at the annual Manning Passing Academy, in returning to form.

GRADE: A