Draft Prospects: Dorial Green-Beckham - Wide Receiver

Dorial Green-Beckham is a player that most fans have heard of. Both because of his skillset that could see him rival Dez Bryant in his play making ability, but also because of his character concerns that also rival Dez Bryant coming out of the draft. With a return on character first players, many teams will probably shy away from a gifted athlete that could be a bargain all the way to the bank.

At 6-foot 6-inches and 225-pounds, DGB is an insanely gifted player that could use a hard nosed coach to guide him into the player he should be at the next level. Harbaugh and the veteran locker room of the Ravens might just be that type of atmosphere to turn DGB into an elite receiver that keeps his nose clean.

The Good:

6-foot 6-inches and 225-pounds is about as physically imposing as it gets! Those type of measurables immediately makes you think of Calvin Johnson and indeed, the tape shows similar skill. If not for his off-field issues, he would be a top-3 draft pick without question and the type of player you see teams trade multiple first round picks to acquire the draft spot to nab.

DGB has a massive winspan and sure hands which combined with his size and jumping ability, makes him a threat at every level. His long stride allows him to eat up yards quickly on quick passes. His frame and wing span allows him to secure the ball away from defenders. And his speed allows him to beat defenders deep for the ball. Because of his size, he is hard to bring down on screens, which can gain him several yards after the catch and wear down defensive backs that will tire of dragging on him as the game progresses.

He immediately draws double coverage which will open up passing lanes for other receivers and in the running game. Even when covered, he has the saavy to know how to use his hands and body to gain separation for the ball and has another gear that he can turn on when the ball is in the air. DGB does a great job tracking the ball in the air and can jump out of the stadium in jump ball situations.

The Bad:

A quick Google search will say everything I could possibly say here. Dorial Green-Beckham is the epitome of a classless jerk with an ego that needs to be checked immediately before it gets even more out of control. Criminal aspects of his personality also need to be stopped if he plans on having any career as a pro.

Outside of his long rap sheet, DGB has issues on the field with concentration. Like most elite receivers, if ignored for a little while, he can start to diminish his effort on every play. He could use to polish up his route running, more specifically his intermediate routes. He will also need to improve as a blocker, but has the strength and size to do well in that regard.

Overall:

We have no film of DGB in 2014 following his transfer to Oklahoma due to transfer rules. However, the tape dating back to 2013 shows a player that is in the next level already and still growing into his body and skill set. It is obvious to anyone that has seen this kid play that he should immediately be selected in the top of the first round, but his numerous issues off the field is what makes him such a question mark. If it were a single issue or a misunderstanding, teams would be far more forgiving and he would still be an obvious lock for the first round. But sadly, he will likely drop down to the second or third round as the risk of wasting such a high level pick on a guy that will remind too many teams of Josh Gordon, is just too high.

With the right coaching, general manager, and locker room; Dorial Green-Beckham is a star. The question the Ravens will have to ask themselves is if they can handle a character like DGB. While they have had success with players like Steve Smith and Jimmy Smith, the all too recent memory of guys like Ray Rice and now Terrence Cody might make him undraftable for the Ravens completely.

If the Ravens decide to pull the trigger on DGB and he can stay well behaved, he would make an immediate impact for the Ravens. Having a weapon with that type of speed, body size, and field awareness would have quarterback Joe Flacco incredibly happy. With a true #1 receiver, the Ravens could finally be the offensive juggernaut that many fans expect they can be, teaming with a top-5 defense towards a Lombardi Trophy.