New York Giants: Odell Beckham Jr. Is Already A Franchise Legend

The New York Giants drafted Odell Beckham Jr. at No. 12 overall in the 2014 NFL Draft. Just three years later, he’s a franchise legend.

Odell Beckham Jr. may already be the greatest wide receiver in New York Giants history. Though that may seem hyperbolic based off of the fact that he’s three seasons into his NFL career, the numbers he’s producing are momentous.

Though some may argue that he hasn’t yet earned the No. 1 spot, it’s only taken Beckham three seasons to become a genuine Giants legend.

Just three years into his Giants career, Beckham is already No. 12 in franchise history with 288 career receptions in a Giants uniform. Of the 11 players ahead of him, only one has a higher catch percentage than Beckham: running back Tiki Barber.

In other words: no wide receiver or tight end has ever caught a higher percentage of their targets than he.

That alone is reason to drop the narrative—mediocre pun intended—and embrace the greatness that Odell Beckham Jr. personifies.

Beckham is currently No. 15 on the Giants’ all-time list with 4,122 receiving yards. If he manages to record exactly 1,000 receiving yards in 2017, he’ll make the jump from No. 15 to No. 4—and he’d have a realistic shot at No. 3 and No. 2.

Beckham is currently 1,061 yards shy of Barber at No. 3 and 1,312 yards behind Frank Gifford for No. 2.

Intriguing as that all may be, the discussion gains steam when discussing the all-time leaders in receiving touchdowns. Amani Toomer still holds a comfortable lead at No. 1 with 54 career touchdowns in a Giants jersey, but it may only last for as long as Beckham lets it.

Just three seasons into his Giants career, Beckham already has 35 receiving touchdowns—a number that already ties him for No. 5 in franchise history.

What may be the separating factors are the averages he’s amassed—and three seasons may be enough to start valuing them. He currently ranks No. 1 in Giants history in receptions per game and receiving yards per game.

Beckham is currently averaging 6.7 receptions per game, while Steve Smith checks in at No. 2 in franchise history with 4.8 receptions per game—a difference of 1.9.

Beckham is also averaging 95.9 receiving yards per game, while Homer Jones checks in at No. 2 with 66.4—a difference of 35.5.

For those who feel that Beckham’s elite production is only significant on the spectrum of Giants legends, note that he’s started his career at a rate matched only by John Jefferson and Randy Moss.

Beckham already ranks No. 1 in Giants history and No. 11 in NFL history in total seasons with at least 1,000 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.

Thus, while it may be fair to get caught up on boat trips and dropped passes in a postseason debut, Beckham has earned the patience of a rabid Giants fan base.

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The best thing we as viewers can do is appreciate the most gifted wide receiver in New York Giants history.