Ben McAdoo: 'Never Say Never,' To Odell Beckham Jr. At Safety
Brad Penner, USATSI

When asked about whether or not New York Giants’ head coach Ben McAdoo would ever use star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. at safety, McAdoo responded “never say never.”

In a recent press conference, New York Giants’ head coach Ben McAdoo was questioned about whether there was ever a scenario in which receiver Odell Beckham Jr. would ever play safety for the team. McAdoo’s response: “Never say never.”

Though it may seem like an unnecessary gamble to ever use the team’s best offensive player on defense, the question isn’t entirely out of the blue. McAdoo had noted that during practice he looked at several offensive players as potential options on defense. The coach also revealed New York had been cross training players, getting some offensive players defensive snaps just in case.

Meanwhile, the talk of playing Beckham at safety has been something mentioned for several years now. Atlanta Flacons’ head coach Dan Quinn said in 2015 he thought Beckham would be “a great safety,” per Tom Rock of Newsday. During the 2016 Pro Bowl, Beckham actually did line up at safety. He lined up at free safety for Team Rice during the fourth quarter of the exhibition match.

Even with the Giants currently being incredibly thin at the safety position, it’s unlikely we will actually see OBJ back there. The third year receiver is simply too valuable to the team to risk him injuring himself on the defensive side of the ball.

Maybe Beckham might make an appearance in a deep cover three look at the end of a game or a half. Having his ball skills back there to defend against a last minute “Hail Mary” play might be worthwhile for the Giants.

Other than that, expect Beckham to remain on the offensive side of the ball.