NFL Draft: WR Dorial Green-Beckham Helped by Josh Gordon

Aug 30, 2014; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Frank Shannon (20) stands with wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham (11) before the game against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

It might have just been a small glimpse, but what NFL Draft fans, analysts, and scouts saw from former Missouri wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham on the field in 2013 was precisely what everyone thought they would see when he signed on with the Tigers as the number one player in prep football. He finished the season with 12 touchdowns on just 59 catches, and appeared to be a rising star.

Then, the off-field issues started.

Green-Beckham has always been a superstar despite a rough upbringing, and I can’t speak for him but it seems like he’s found his acceptance in using his dominance on the football field as a platform to gain attention in whatever way he possibly could, including doing some illegal stuff.

It was enough to the point that he was let go from the Missouri football program, and ended up transferring to Oklahoma to play for Bob Stoops and the Sooners. DGB was denied an opportunity to waive his transfer penalty and play this season, so he’s been getting work in at practices with the OU football program, allegedly growing up as both a man and a player.

But nothing is more important than the former.

So, I’m sure you read the title of this article and are wondering how it’s possible that a player like Josh Gordon, a guy that’s been suspended a number of times and nearly for an entire season this year, could help Green-Beckham in his NFL journey. Well, the answer to me is simple. Despite the fact that Gordon has been a problem off the field for the Cleveland Browns, he led the NFL in receiving yards in 2013 and the precedence for guys with issues in college (like Gordon) was set when the Browns decided to take him in the 2nd round of the Supplemental Draft, essentially forfeiting what would amount to be an additional first round pick in that year’s following draft due to how high the 2nd round pick was.

Gordon’s selection hasn’t prevented teams from staying away from troubled receivers in college, but if you mess up late in the process, NFL teams will shy away from you. If it’s been awhile since you screwed up, they’ll still be willing to take you high.

And right now, Dorial Green-Beckham’s stock is seemingly on the rise despite the fact that he hasn’t played this season. He is drawing comparisons to A.J. Green, arguably a top five receiver in the NFL today and perhaps even what some consider to be the best. DGB is 6-foot-6 and 225 pounds with some freakish athletic ability, causing scouts to drool.

Despite his off-field troubles, draft analysts and scouts still think some team will be willing to use a first round pick on this kid, and I don’t disagree with that. In fact, I think it’s more likely than not. Even though DGB has been kicked out of one school and might not even play for the next (see: Gordon, Josh at Utah, Baylor), some team — perhaps even the Cleveland Browns — is going to use a first round pick on his upside and determine he’s done enough to prove he’s not a liability off the field at this point in time.

It’s a risk, but it’s one I feel some NFL team is going to be more than willing to make. I think Gordon’s emergence so early on in his career as an NFL player despite limited collegiate success could bode well for Green-Beckham in the fact that his legend continues to grow while he just practices and keeps his name out of the headlines for the wrong reasons.

It’s an interesting situation given the current state of the NFL, but I think Green-Beckham’s stock won’t be affected as much if he stays out of trouble between now and the NFL Draft.