Odell Beckham Jr: Naughty by Nature

“You down with O.D.B? Yea, you know me!

Who’s down with O.D.B.? Every last homie!”

In 1991, Naughty by Nature released hit song ‘O.P.P’, peaking at #6 on the U.S. Top Ten, propelling their self-titled album to platinum. Will Odell Beckham Jr. use his time at Louisiana to launch himself to NFL superstardom?

Given the climate of this year’s draft, it’s widely accepted that this is as good a year as any to cash in at wide receiver. Sammy Watkins and Mike Evans have seemingly established themselves as the number one and two prospects — at least by the analysts and media’s accord. But a wealth of WR talent lies thereafter; maybe most notably with Odell Beckham Jr.

In the 2008 NFL Draft, RB’s Darren McFadden, Chris Johnson, Matt Forte, Ray Rice, and Jamaal Charles quickly rushed onto the scene. Then, the 2010 draft delivered at the TE position with talents Jermaine Gresham, Rob Gronkowski, Jimmy Graham, Dennis Pitta, and [Aaron Hernandez*]. And in 2012 — arguably the most impressive QB draft since ’83 — Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III, Ryan Tannehill, Russell Wilson, and Nick Foles all threw themselves into the limelight.

Is 2014 the year wide receiver catches fire?

“O.D.B., how can I explain it?

I’ll take you frame by frame it.”

Odell Beckham Jr. has the athleticism and physical prowess to play both outside and inside. He has the speed to separate against man coverage, and possesses excellent vertical range to rise over defenders. This play shows ODB’s ability to locate the ball during his route, adjust with great body control, and attack at it’s highest point — characteristic of successful receivers in the NFL. ODB is naughty by nature!

With a downhill, physical mentality as a ball carrier, Beckham brings the added dynamic of a return specialist. On this particular play, its less about yards and more about his tenacious will. The New York Jets organization looks for guys who ‘play like a Jet’. That’s the takeaway here. Beckham lowers his pads to attack and drive through contact, and even after taking a big blow, he shows no relent. ODB is naughty by nature!

Odell is also a well rounded, finesse runner who can stick his foot in the ground and break outside, inside, or work back to the quarterback. It’s poetic to watch as he always attacks the ball with his hands. Even when the ball’s away from his body, he’s able to make Santonio-like extensions to secure the ball across a wide catch radius. Here, Odell runs a smooth route, creating separation with a double move. Then with elite athleticism and body control, he makes a strong hands catch, all while taking contact from the DB. ODB is naughty by nature!

The New York Jets offense has struggled for years at the offensive skill positions, especially pass catchers. Fact is, the Jet’s haven’t drafted a wide receiver in the first round since Santana Moss in 2001.

Not staggering enough?

The last Jet wide receiver to reach a Pro Bowl was Keyshawn Johnson in 1999—and go ahead and throw TEs right in there too, because neither position has seen the beautiful beaches of Hawaii in over a decade. Dustin Keller wanted to put his toes to the sand so badly that he went swimming with the Dolphins in Miami.

We are a week out from the NFL draft, and all of the substantial evidence has been gathered, assessed, and analyzed over again. We are simply left with the speculative offerings of the non-decision makers whose opinions are many and value are naught. With that said, we all still have our opinions!

Let’s be honest, Odell Beckham Jr. to the New York Jets at 18 is a perfect marriage; a wedding on a budget. It’s all love with no financial burden!

Marty Mornhinweg wants a dynamic playmaker who can create in space. ODB’s a flush system fit! ODB’s a steal at 18! ODB’s naughty by nature!

So…who’s down with O.D.B.?