OBJ is a coveted fantasy asset and also improves the value of his teammates
Odell Beckham Jr., also known as “OBJ”, became one of the NFL’s most intriguing rising stars in 2014 after being selected 12th overall by the New York Giants in the draft. From historic one-handed catches to iconic touchdown dances, OBJ stole the spotlight last season while emerging as one of the top receivers in the league.
It is easy to see why the Giants selected Beckham at 12th overall one year ago. The play-making wide out, who doubles as a punt and kick return man, has blazing speed (he ran a 4.43 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine) and is a quality run-blocker who works hard on every down. The LSU product attacks the ball in the air with his freakishly large hands, measuring in at ten inches, and extreme leaping ability. After being the third receiver selected in the 2014 NFL Draft, Beckham spent the first four games of his rookie campaign on the sideline, nursing a nagging hamstring injury. His value to the Giants’ offense proved to be worth the wait as he stormed onto the scene in week five, collecting a total of 91 receptions for 1,305 yards and twelve touchdowns by the end of the season. 2014 was closed with well-deserved Pro Bowl honors as he replaced the injured Lions’ WR Calvin Johnson.
The dual-threat receiver is a precise route-runner who is fast in his cuts and can lose defenders on fakes and double moves. Press coverage is no problem for Beckham, as he displayed in week nine against top caliber Seattle Seahawks CB Richard Sherman as he torched him for 108 yards. His elite skill set demands double coverage, which opens things up for Victor Cruz and the rest of the offensive unit, and provides an increase in their fantasy value. In week 15 against St. Louis, OBJ utilized his speed to roast the Rams’ double coverage on a post route, faking to the outside then back in, resulting in an 80-yard touchdown. The Giants face an average schedule in 2015, ranked 20th in difficulty, and the offense will lineup against below-par pass defenses like Atlanta, Washington, and Tampa Bay.
Beckham secured his status as a WR1 in all fantasy leagues in week seven against the Dallas Cowboys, hauling in an impossible catch with just three fingers – a play which was later voted ESPN’s “Play of the Year.” The positive fantasy outlook for the second-year wide receiver in 2015 is almost inarguable, as the Giants have put together an offense that can revive QB Eli Manning’s career. A healthy OBJ will lineup opposite the recovering Victor Cruz at WR2, with the big red zone target TE Larry Donnell and free agent acquisition RB Shane Vereen creating more options for Manning.
It is clear to see that the Louisiana native has had an immediate impact on the offense. Beckham seems to fit in great with the Giants and has developed strong chemistry with Eli Manning. The young star ranked 6th at the wide receiver position in 2014, and it is not far-fetched to anticipate a top-five year.
Daniel Rogers is a correspondent at FantasyPros. To read more from Daniel, check out his archive or follow him @DanielRogersFP
