Comparing Odell Beckham Jr. to all-time greats

How does the uber-talented New York Giants receiver stack up among legends of the game?

Okay, I talk waaaaaaaaayyyyy too much about Odell Beckham Jr.

It’s gotten to a point where I’ll just casually bring him up in conversation, acting like everyone I talk to knows who he is and cares about him as much as I do.

“How was your day?” “Great, but Odell Beckham Jr. is criminally miscast by the media.”

“Did you eat yet?” “I did, but not as much as Odell Beckham Jr. feasted against Leodis McKelvin.”

“Do you want to grab coffee sometime?” “Sorry, I’ll be watching Odell Beckham Jr. highlights.”

In fact, as managing editor of my University’s newspaper, I made some creative decisions regarding articles for an upcoming issue. I promptly posted it in my GroupMe with the other editors and writers, and I’d like to say they were surprised, but I’m not a liar.

But what can really be said about Beckham that I haven’t already said or tweeted? Well, the answer to that question lies ahead, my friends.

Let’s all just take a minute and admit that Beckham is a once-in-a-lifetime player. At this point, there’s no denying it. Even if you’re an Eagles fan, A) I don’t know why you’re reading this, and B) you simply cannot downplay how effective and dominant Beckham’s been in his 36 career games. You can call him a distraction, gay or whatever else you want to conjure up. The fact remains that in 36 career games, Beckham’s posted 246 receptions, 3,574 yards (96 yards per game) and 31 touchdowns. You know who matches that production through their first 36 games? Nobody.

Also, I’m basing these comparisons on guys I actually saw play. So I won’t be talking about Lance Alworth, mostly because I think examining guys I watched play is more valid than talking about guys I’ve only seen in highlights.

Hands: Comparable to Larry Fitzgerald

I don’t have to actually waste time talking about OBJ’s catching ability, right? I mean, ya’ll have social media and don’t live under rocks, right? Like, we all — literally for weeks and weeks and weeks and weeks — saw the unreal one-handed grab he made against Dallas in 2014.

It’s actually kind of funny comparing Beckham, whose personality knows no bounds, to Fitzgerald, whose personality typically remains quieter than a church mouse.

Man, some of the catches Fitzgerald makes were just marvelous. Like, the dude was so consistent and just remarkably reliable. And coincidentally enough, both Fitzgerald’s and Beckham’s previous spectacular catches have rendered most of what they do now rather rudimentary. At this point, Fitzgerald and Beckham serve as the paragon of consistency when catching the rock.

It’s pretty simple with Beckham and Fitzgerald. If you throw the ball anywhere in their vicinity, they’re going to catch it, pretty much 99 out of 100 times. Over the shoulder? Easy. Across the middle with linebackers ready to lay wood? You bet. One-handed touchdowns? Child, please.

I initially had Marvin Harrison here, but Fitzgerald is a lot more keen to opt for making catches with one hand. While Beckham is nowhere near being as strong or physically imposing as Fitzgerald, his hands are definitely comparatively spectacular.

Athleticism: Comparable to Randy Moss

I remember being in fifth grade, playing EA’s Madden 2006. Keep in mind, I was just a kid at the time, not being the student of the game I currently am. I knew the big-name players, guys like Peyton Manning. I was building a fantasy team, and my older brother (five years older than I am, for those keeping score at home) was being an older brother, throwing jeers my way.

“Why don’t you take Randy Moss on your team since you’re just cheating anyways?”

I brushed off his comments, but did peruse Moss’ stats in the game. His stats were pretty average. You know, he was only a fucking 99 overall, with 99 speed and acceleration, and 97 agility and catching. You know, standard, Austin Collie stats. That was he exact moment I gained a sublime appreciation for Moss’ athletic ability.

Back in the day, when Moss threw up his hand, the play was pretty much done. Finito. He was too big, too fast, too much of everything. Regardless of who the cornerback was, Moss always had the upper hand.

Beckham hasn’t gained attention for an “OBJ hand” yet, but his rare blend of speed, athleticism and leaping ability is second to none in the NFL. He’s that rare blend, man. How many other players posses Beckham’s scary combination of speed, explosiveness, quickness and agility? He’s not as physically imposing as Moss was, but there’s no denying Beckham is one of the best athletes on planet Earth.

Value: Comparable to Calvin Johnson

Remember when the Lions went 0–16? Well, imagine just how much worse that team would’ve been if it weren’t for Johnson. They would’ve went like, 0–24. Additionally, can you imagine what the Lions would’ve done sans Megatron before the team acquired Golden Tate? There was a time when Megatron was the Lions’ offense. And yes, we’ve seen a career renaissance from Matthew Stafford in the wake of Johnson’s retirement, but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t the Lions’ most valuable player when he was on the team.

I don’t care who’s playing quarterback. Having a talent like Megatron and OBJ on offense makes things much, much easier, and gives QBs a luxury few have.

Beckham’s situation is largely the same. You know how bad the Giants were last year and in 2014? They would’ve been even worse — hard to imagine, right? — without Beckham. How bad? Well, I think it’s entirely fair to say the 6–10 Giants of 2014 would’ve finished as a four-win team if not for Beckham’s heroics.

With no OBJ, RUEBEN RANDLE WOULD’VE BEEN THE GIANTS’ NO. 1 RECEIVER FOR THE BETTER PART OF TWO YEARS. THAT IS NOT GOOD.

Touchdown celebrations: Comparable to none

This is the one area where Beckham reigns supreme with no peers. You could literally have a room full of writers try to come up with touchdown celebrations, and Beckham’s original creations would probably still be better. I’ve already taken the liberty to gif and rank all 31 of OBJ’s touchdowns, so I don’t want to talk about them too much.

While you could argue his creativity is on par with Chad Johnson’s, I don’t think there’s another player in NFL history who had Beckham’s combination of creativity and ability to dance. Beckham’s penchant for breaking out celebrations makes him the type of player my dad abhors, and the type of player I love.

It’s entertainment, folks.

Footwork: Comparable to Chad Johnson

I recently went back and watched some Chad Johnson highlights. It was partially because I really liked him growing up, partially because one of my best friends is a big Bengals fan and partially for shits and giggles. I was shocked to see how fast Johnson used to move his feet, as that facet of his game never struck me as I watched him growing up.

When I say footwork, I’m referring to two things: First, I’m talking about the foot quickness during routes. Secondly, I’m talking about the ability to make dudes miss in the open field. Johnson was so damn good at creating space with his feet. Unfortunately, it’s an underrated aspect of his game. Actually, pretty much all of Johnson’s game was underrated, since it all took a back seat to his larger-than-life personality.

Being able to utilize quick footwork tremendously assists receivers in getting open. It makes things easier, and Johnson and Beckham both excel at that.

Beckham’s completely dominant in and out of his breaks, utilizing his tremendous footwork to his advantage.

Complete side note: CHAD JOHNSON DESERVES TO BE IN THE HALL OF FAME. #OchocincoForCanton

Sideline awareness: Comparable to Amani Toomer

Okay, this is kind of cheating, as Toomer is by no means in the same echelon of the other players on this list. But if a Hall of Fame existed for sideline awareness alone, Toomer would be a first-ballot, shoe-in. Anyone who watched the Giants during Toomer’s tenure is likely aware of just how good he was at working the sidelines. He was an absolute magician along the sidelines, always displaying an innate ability to come down with both feet in-bounds.

Odell also works the sidelines to perfection, as he’s supremely aware of his surroundings. I mean, Beckham’s been in the league for under four years, and he’s already made some toe-tapping catches that would make the careers of lesser receivers.

I think the middle catch against Washington is the most impressive by far. The fact that OBJ had the awareness to keep his left foot in bounds and drag it into the end zone is absolutely insane.

The awareness displayed on all three of those receptions is insane. But isn’t it crazy how they’re all underrated grabs, considering all people want to do is question Beckham’s demeanor?

Breakaway speed: Comparable to Terrell Owens

I hesitated from making this comparison for two reasons. The first is obvious, and it’s because I absolutely despise having Odell Beckham Jr. and Terrell Owens be mentioned in the same sentence. The second reason is because I truly, earnestly, whole-heartedly believe OBJ stands in a class of his own in terms of breakaway speed. That’s not just me being a homer, either. I honestly do think OBJ possess an innate ability to race to the end zone that few receivers over time have had.

Both guys didn’t perform exceptionally well in the 40-yard dash, as neither OBJ nor T.O. clocked in at under 4.40. I think Ike Taylor broke it down best on the 2015 edition of the NFL’s Top 100 Players.

“I didn’t run a fast 40. But you put a helmet on me, you put shoulder pads on me? Imma run past this corner.”

When I was in high school, we called what Beckham and T.O. have game speed. It’s that un-measurable speed that cannot be clocked or timed. Some dudes just have it.

T.O. definitely had it, and if you think OBJ doesn’t, just remember he takes slant passes to the house more frequently than people complain on social media — okay, not that often.

Competitiveness: Comparable to Steve Smith Sr.

I think it’s laughable when people try to feed me the “Odell Beckham Jr. is soft” narrative. Like, you have a better chance trying to make me believe in a vegan lifestyle. Sure, he dances and likes to have fun, but that doesn’t mean he’s soft. He likes to get physical, even if at times his physicality crosses a line.

If you want to be entertained, watch some of Beckham’s sideline mic’d up moments. The dude only cares about winning, and his passion is clearly on display at all times.

Over the years, Steve Smith Sr. has gained a reputation for being one of the league’s most fierce competitors. He gets fired up and it helps the rest of his team. I fucking love watching the wily Smith just manhandle dudes. Like Smith did — and is still doing, I may add — for years, Beckham plays with a fiery competitive nature that often elevates the play of not only himself, but also his teammates.

Their competitive fire likely stems from both players being undersized, and because of that, they play with a chip on their shoulder.

I originally had Hines Ward as the comparison, but I don’t think that’s fair, as Ward was one of the few receivers defensive backs actually feared because of his physical nature.

Personality: Comparable to Moss and Johnson, with a little bit of T.O.

Chad Johnson’s personality has been described by many as being similar to the personality of a younger brother. He talks a lot, but at the end of the day, people love him and he’s a fun time to be around. T.O.’s personality is widely regarded as cancerous. I mean, the dude did take off his fucking shirt like he was a Chippendales dancer and host a God damn press conference in his driveway. I think Moss’ personality is more paradoxical than anything, as he was usually in his own world (straight cash, homie).

Beckham’s a blend of all three. We’ve seen the good side of OBJ (the fun-loving dancing and care-free attitude), the bad side (when he launched himself head-first into Josh Norman’s domepiece) and the weird side (when he deadass lived at Drake’s house).

If you asked me to pick which personality Beckham resembles most, I’d probably say Johnson’s. Beckham’s better with the media than Moss, and definitely nowhere near as bad in the locker room as T.O. It’s tough to label him, honestly.

Hair: Comparable to ramen noodles

I do love the OBJ hair, but c’mon, it’s definitely high in sodium.

Work ethic: Comparable to Jerry Rice

There’s an old football legend about Jerry Rice. If you’re not aware, legend has it that Rice used to run up a big-ass hill. It was an imposing task, but one Rice made his daily routine.

Beckham is obviously a hard-working guy, right? Let’s not jive here and pretend Beckham just rolled out of bed one morning and was one of the NFL’s most dynamic players. He puts the work in, and that flies under the radar amid his hyperactive, fun-loving ventures he engages in.

When Beckham learned his place on the NFL’s Top 100 Players of 2016, he was miffed. Being ranked 10th overall among every player in the NFL isn’t that bad. But Beckham wants to be the absolute best no matter what, so he responded to his placement by opting to work out at 3 a.m. Yep, when I was waking up to take a mid-night leak, Beckham was clanging and banging in the weight room.

Here’s what Beckham said about his workout, according to James Kratch of NJ.com.

“That means I need to work harder. At the end of the day, these are the best players in the NFL, it’s the best of the best. And I look at the list, and it’s hard for me to say, ‘Put me in front of him, or move me here … “These are some of the best athletes in the world,” he said. “I’m happy to be in the top 10. I was 32 last year, and I was 10, now you got to keep going. Obviously the goal is to get better and better.”

That’s the type of work ethic that makes coaches salivate. He wants to be the best of all-time, and he’s making sure he’s doing the steps to make that dream a reality.

Talk Odell Beckham Jr. with Ryan on Twitter: @DisdierSports