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Introduction
2014 was supposed to be the year Dorial Green-Beckham confirmed his status as an elite receiver and sure top 10 selection in the NFL draft. Unfortunately it didn't quite work out like that. Although the headline states DGB is a Oklahoma player, he will leave Norman without having ever played a snap for them. After being dismissed from the Missouri program for consistent legal issues, DGB took his services to Oklahoma, however the NCAA rejected his appeal to play straight away and he was forced to miss the 2014 season. Instead of staying in Oklahoma to prove the doubters wrong, and prove he has changed, he has instead elected to enter the 2015 NFL draft where he will likely still be a first round selection.
So why was he dismissed from the Missouri football program?
DGB was first suspended for two games during his rookie season in 2012 after he was arrested for possession of Marijuana. He missed important games against Vanderbilt and Alabama due to the arrest but finished off the season strong.
In January 2014, DGB was again arrested on Marijuana charges and with the quantity being a pound, he was originally arrested for possession of an illegal substance with intent to distribute.
He was arrested again in April of 2014 with police investigating a burglary and assault charge. DGB allegedly pushed his way into the apartment causing a female victim to fall down a number of steps. He was not charged for this incident because the victim feared the backlash if she went ahead and did not want to pursue her case.
This all paints a very dim picture of a young man with exceptional talent. Missouri believed that a clean start for DGB was best for everyone, leading them to release their leading receiver. He has behaved himself in Oklahoma, however I can't imagine the interview process at the combine will be a fun one for DGB. He will deservedly face a lot of frank and pressing questions about his drug use and the disturbing incident outlined above.
Behind all the character concerns is a player with unbelievable ability and unlimited potential. He was a consensus 5 star recruit heading into college. As a senior in high school he recorded 119 receptions for 2,233 yards and 24 touchdowns. Due to his play, he was named the Sporting News's High School Athlete of the Year. Rivals rated him as the #1 overall prospect in the country and every outlet had him in the top 5.
In the end he chose to play his football at home with the Missouri Tigers. Staying home kept DGB close to friends and family, but that may have also limited his progression and maturity.
Measurables
Height: 6'6
Weight: 225 lb's
Class: Junior
Projected 40 Time: 4.4
Statistics
| Year | Receptions | Yards | Average | Long | TD |
| 2013 | 59 | 883 | 15.0 | 68 | 12 |
| 2012 | 28 | 395 | 14.1 | 80 | 5 |
Positives
- Size. He has an excellent combination of height, weight, length and speed.
- RedZone: If you want to see him at his best, watch the Kentucky game from 2013. He dominated in the red-zone, high pointing the ball, using his frame and concentration to bring down footballs.
- Catching: He does allow too many balls into his body but he consistently comes down with contested footballs and his concentration on catches is exceptional.
- Separation: He has very good sped for a receiver and his long strides force separation.
- Acceleration: He moves off the line well, with quick acceleration and a physical presence.
- Adaptability: Shows the form to adapt to balls when they are in the air, always looking to work back to his quarterback at every opportunity.
- After catch: He is deceptively effective with the ball in his hands, using his strength and pace to gain extra yards. Missouri used him on a lot of wide receiver screens.
- Body Control: This comes in handy in the red-zone as he knows where the sideline is and perfectly uses his natural balance to complete catches in traffic.
- Contest? What contest? - One of the most naturally gifted athletes at winning the 50/50 ball. He comes down with catches with players draped all over him.
Negatives
- Multiple arrests show he has some serious character concerns and some serious maturity issues. He's been involved in three incidents in three years of college, that's a major concern.
- Route Running - He'll need to improve in this area. Although he is a fluid athlete for his size, and he does get in and out of his breaks quickly, he rounds off his routes and needs to get sharper.
- Catch Away - Sees too many footballs into the pads, needs to make use of his length at all times, catching the ball away from his body.
- Blocking - As I mentioned earlier this week, you don't pick a player in round 1 for his blocking ability, but I'd like to see a little more effort in the blocking game, blocking may not be sexy but it shows your commitment.
Conclusion
Highlights
Draft Grade: 91
90-100 = Exceptional Talent
80-90 = Impact Player
70-80 = NFL Starter
60-70 = Solid NFL Potential
50-60 = Draftable - Lot of work needed
>50 = Undraftable - Long Shot To Stick