TRADE: The Ravens have acquired the 33rd overall selection for the 58th, 122nd and 125th picks
With the 33rd pick in the RCF Mock Draft, the Baltimore Ravens select...
Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Missouri
Strengths
Physical specimen with rare athleticism and triangle numbers (size/speed/strength) for his frame. Plays with balance and core power to keep his center of gravity. Uses long-striding acceleration to get vertical in a hurry and create separation in his routes. Strong plant-and-go burst in his breaks, effortlessly shifting his momentum in his patterns, not having to gear down when changing directions. Physical leaper with high-pointing prowess to climb the ladder and play in the clouds. Uses his body beautifully in coverage to tower over defenders with an outrageous catching radius. Aggressive at the catch point with loose body control, easy adjustments and large hands to pluck with an attacking mentality. Not a push-over and shows a take charge on-field personality. Swats corners away in his path and won't let defenders dictate his pattern. Productive when on the field with 87 catches in two seasons at Missouri, averaging a touchdown every 5.1 receptions. - Dane Brugler
Weaknesses
Functional strength is average-at-best, before and after the pass. Still learning the route tree and took advantage of mostly packaged and vertical patterns. Bad habit of getting lazy in his routes at times and doesn't consistently read coverages to set up his movements. Will allow the ball to reach his body at times, which leads to drops. Needs seasoning and on-field reps after not playing since the 2013 season. Not a consistent finisher with questionable work habits, uncertain accountability, both on and off the field. Strong red flags and immature make-up. Multiple off-field incidents, including two arrests for marijuana possession: first in Oct. 2012 with four other teammates; and then in Jan. 2014, although those charges were later dismissed when another person in the car where the drugs were found took ownership. Was dismissed from Missouri after allegedly forcing himself into an apartment and pushing a female down the stairs; wasn't formally charged because no one pressed charges, but could enter the NFL with a strike against him when it comes to domestic abuse. - Dane Brugler
NFL Comparison
Julio Jones - Although the off-field issues cannot be ignored, Green-Beckham has a physical skill-set that rivals Jones on the field with rare athleticism and ability for his size. - Dane Brugler
Player Overview
A NFL prospect with rare physical traits, Green-Beckham is the type of wide receiver that even when covered, he is open due to his gargantuan size and freakish athleticism. He is still unpolished in several areas, but there is a ton of untapped potential with on-field ability that would warrant top-five overall consideration in this draft class. However, there are strong red flags that will eliminate Green-Beckham from some NFL team's draft boards and not just legal troubles, but also underachiever tendencies and doubts whether he has the work ethic and drive in his belly to reach his full potential. Fair or not, the Josh Gordon situation will be on the minds of any team that discussion the risks and rewards of drafting him.
A five-star wide receiver recruit out of high school, Green-Beckham had every major FBS program knocking at his door, but he decided to stay in-state and enroll at Missouri. He made an instant impact as a true freshman with 28 catches for 395 yards and five touchdowns in 2012, earning Freshman All-American honors by several outlets. Green-Beckham blossomed further as a sophomore starter in 2013 with a team-high 59 receptions for 883 yards and 12 touchdowns over 14 starts, earning Second Team All-SEC honors. He was dismissed from Mizzou after a third off-field incident (April 2014) and enrolled at Oklahoma, although he had to sit out the season after his waiver to play immediately was denied. Green-Beckham decided to give up his remaining eligibility to enter the 2015 NFL Draft, having never played a down for the Sooners.
My Logic
I was never going to use all 3 of my 4th rounders so it made a lot of sense to deal the non-compensatory selections (while maintaining a pick in every round) to move up in the 2nd and get a guy who could be a true impact player I would've missed out on otherwise. With Torrey Smith and Owen Daniels leaving and Dennis Pitta's future uncertain, Joe Flacco's weapons are hot garbage aside from Steve Smith. Green-Beckham is a big risk to be sure but even though he's very raw, the upside is undeniable. His size/speed combination is incredibly rare and his physical gifts are so special that he isn't even remotely close to his ceiling; DGB has the ability to be a superstar. Yet, serious immaturity and character concerns make reaching that ceiling far from a guarantee and those concerns are the reason he's still on the board here. Fortunately, in Baltimore, he's entering one of the most stable locker room cultures in the NFL and has a passionate veteran mentor in Steve Smith who himself has overcome character issues. If he's going to succeed, Baltimore is the kind of place it will happen. With Gurley and DGB, the Ravens are investing in the kind of high upside risks that made them great in the past; if they both pan out, the Ravens offense has the chance to be something special.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and @SuperSurge are now on the clock.