Seattle Seahawks high on Odell Beckham Jr.
LSU Tigers wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) on a kick return. Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
LSU Tigers wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has seen his stock rise this month, and it goes beyond his incredible 40 time at the Combine yesterday that had everyone buzzing. No, Beckham’s stock has risen after a closer look at his tape and production at LSU brought his quietly excellent hands to the fore-front, showing that he’s much more than a Tavon Austin-type wide receiver. Not only is Beckham a small, explosive wideout who can generate major YAC with his ability, but he’s also a better pure pass-catcher than most WRs of his frame. Not only does he have some of the surest hands in the draft class, but he can also win more matchups outside than some think and has better leaping ability and long speed than expected.
He has gained so much momentum, in fact, that there’s a chance Beckham Jr. could even be the second-best WR taken off of the board after clear-cut No. 1 Sammy Watkins. Mike Evans will probably be picked earlier and Allen Robinson, Marqise Lee, and Brandin Cooks are squarely in the discussion, but the LSU product looks like a top three wideout in this year’s class.
Even though they probably won’t have a shot at taking him anymore, draft insider Tony Pauline reports that if the Seattle Seahawks were able to pick anyone with the 32nd pick, then it would be Beckham. That’s a strong statement of support for the playmaking wideout, and we’ll see if the Seahawks are somehow able to get their chance at scooping him up. They may have Percy Harvin, but Golden Tate is set to hit the free agent market and Beckham is also different from those guys.
That said, the Seahawks aren’t expected to be in a position to get him, and Pauline reports that the Seahawks will likely prioritize the offensive line in this year’s draft.