Millions of NFL fans were dazzled by Giants star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. last year, but the second-year pro has found success tough to come by in his sophomore season — and Cromartie has taken notice.
"Right now, he's a one-year wonder," Cromartie said Friday, via ESPN. "I'm just being honest. It's just one year. I need to see it on an every-game basis ... not him getting penalties or something like that or sucker-punching somebody. I think it's all about how you carry yourself throughout your whole, entire career."
Cromartie thinks Beckham, 22, might have risen through the ranks too soon and feels the young receiver still has a lot to learn before he becomes a star in the league.
"Has he had productive years? In 16 games, yes," Cromartie said. "I give him the utmost (credit) for that. ... He has had the most production out of any receiver I have seen in 16 games since Randy Moss. But you have to do it week in and week out and depend on that person, no matter if you're getting double- or triple-teamed.
"Randy Moss didn't complain when he got double- and triple-teamed. And people went after him also."
Beckham has mustered 24 receptions for 307 yards and two touchdowns in four games this season but hauled in just five balls for 38 yards last week against the Bills. He was fined $8,681 by the NFL for unnecessarily striking an opponent during the game but plans to appeal.
Bills linebacker Preston Brown accused Beckham of throwing a punch in the Giants' 24-10 win against Buffalo. After the game, Brown said Beckham will "get away with it" because he's "the 'golden boy' of the league."
Beckham's sophomore slump could be due be in large part to constant double teams. With Victor Cruz still out of the lineup with a left calf injury, teams can slide an extra defender over to Beckham's side, which has limited his upside thus far.
But anyone who can catch a ball like the example below won't be held in check for long.
Odell Beckham with the greatest non-catch EVER https://t.co/0ybIP9zGHA #NYGvsBUF
— 247Sports (@247Sports) October 4, 2015