Minnesota Vikings: Dorial Green-Beckham a Sleeper?

Each year the NFL Draft always contains players that can be found in the deeper rounds to be considered “sleeper picks” or “steals.” Take away all of the expert analysis and the bold statements saying someone will be outstanding. There’s always a few players that slip past the experts, and the teams that find them are extremely lucky and will be more than happy with the outcome.

We all know Tom Brady is one of the best quarterbacks ever, but not everybody knew that he was a 6th round draft pick in the 2000 NFL draft. While he is considered one of the biggest steals ever, there are other mentionable players who have had great careers. Steve Smith was drafted in the third round in 2001, and does Joe Montana ring a bell? He was selected 82nd overall (third round) of the 1979 draft. For as marvelous of a career that Montana had, for a player to be as successful as him, you’d think he would’ve been drafted in the first round, right? Sounds like a steal to me.

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The wide receiver position can at times be underestimated too; players like Donald Driver (Seventh round, 213th pick), Wes Welker (Undrafted free agent), and Marques Colston (Seventh round, 252nd pick) would all be considered great steals as they have put far better numbers than they were ever projected to.

For the Minnesota Vikings, who have seemed to find their true no. 1 receiver in speedster Mike Wallace, may not need to worry about picking Kevin White, DeVante Parker, or Amari Cooper at No.11. Rather than using a pick on them (which wouldn’t displease most fans,) it wouldn’t be a bad idea to think about getting a receiver in another round.

One receiver that has a lot of questions behind him is Dorial Green-Beckham.

Before being a member of the Sooners at Oklahoma, Green-Beckham was dismissed by Missouri because of several off the field issues. Normally, having character issues can be a complete turnoff to coaches and mangers while deciding whether to pick a player or not.

With Green-Beckham having many troubles in the past, twice involving pot, and then forcing his way into a woman’s apartment; actions like this won’t fit well with many teams.

Yes, Green-Beckham has many character issues, but character issues don’t take away from his skill. The former No. 1 wide receiver and No. 3 overall high school recruit in 2012 has amazing skill. He’s 6’5″, 237 pounds and runs a 4.49 40-yard dash. With smooth route running, soft hands, and great body control, he would fit in quite well with the receiving core in Minnesota; being a big target for the future quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.

Dec 7, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Missouri Tigers wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham (15) celebrates his 28 yard touchdown catch with quarterback James Franklin (1) against the Auburn Tigers in the first quarter during the 2013 SEC Championship game at Georgia Dome.. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

In his two seasons he played at Mizzou, he totaled 1,278 receiving yards and brought in 17 touchdowns. With the physique and numbers he has, it really only makes you think of a couple players in the NFL; almost like a Calvin Johnson type receiver with a Josh Gordon background that is forever haunting his draft stock.

Since the Vikings added Wallace to the team, that automatically gives them pretty good depth in the position. However, the addition of Green-Beckham would ultimately give them a fantastic receiving core, especially a receiving core with one of the most amount of potential.

According to Minneapolis T.V. station KSTP, the Vikings are looking at Green-Beckham.

WR Dorial Green-Beckham is scheduled to visit the #Vikings, per source.
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) March 27, 2015

The Vikings have the 13th pick in the second round, which would be 45th overall. If by chance Green-Beckham is still available, it’s something they would really have to think about. Now, he has the skill to be a top 15 pick in this draft, but his actions say otherwise. If he can stay away from all the trouble, he will certainly be a steal for any team that picks him. That’s only if a team is willing to take the high risk that Green-Beckham carries himself with.

If he manages to fall out of the first round, which very well could happen based off his character, then the Viking’s could be in a real good position to add him and hopefully turn his bad actions into good. One thing the Viking’s could consider which they’ve done in the past is attempting to trade up for a late, first round pick; if they’re feeling ambitious.

Next: Trae Waynes Good Fit for Vikings

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