Former University of Missouri standout Dorial Green-Beckham will join the Tennessee Titans after being selected with the eighth pick in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Despite several off-field issues, the 6'5 wide receiver showed enough promise to warrant having his name called. A high-risk, high-reward type of player, Green-Beckham could become a big-bodied target for the Titans and new quarterback Marcus Mariota, who was drafted by the Titans Thursday night with the No. 2 overall pick.
NFL Draft results 2015: Titans select Dorial Green-Beckham
DGB joins Marcus Mariota in Nashville.
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
In 2014, Green-Beckham attended the University of Oklahoma, but was ineligible to play due to NCAA transfer rules. He was dismissed from Missouri after several run-ins with the law, including burglary and assault investigations and two arrests on marijuana charges.
The physical tools are apparent. His terrific size and adequate speed make him a candidate to play out wide at the next level, though he needs coaching and refinement when it comes to route running. Combine those deficiencies with his character concerns, and there are serious questions as to whether he can become an NFL starter.
At the NFL Combine, he ran a 4.49 40-yard dash and showcased a 33.5-inch vertical leap. He added a 119-inch broad jump and put up 13 reps in the bench press. At his pro day, he showed consistency with a 33-inch vertical and 120-inch broad jump.
In the wake of NFL substance abuse issues of high-profile players like Josh Gordon, Aldon Smith and Haloti Ngata, other teams were likely discouraged from selecting Green-Beckham higher, despite his potential.
Green-Beckham declared for the draft after sitting out the 2014 season. In two seasons at Missouri, he caught 87 passes for 1,278 yards and 17 touchdowns.
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