Rookie Receiver Deebo Samuel – Draft Insiders’ Yearbook Scouting Report

Rookie Wide Receiver Deebo Samuel Provides Impact in Big Games
Draft Insiders’ Yearbook Scouting Report – NFL Draft 2019

Rookie receiver Deebo Samuel has been a major difference maker for the 49ers after being taken in Round Two last April, #36 overall.  Frank Coyle of Draft Insiders’ ranked him as the receiver with the best hands and one of premier playmakers in the NFL Draft 2019 class. Samuel was arguably one of the best values in the entire draft class.

Draft Insiders’ Review 2019 – June 2019
49ers Report

With their 2nd round pick, they added WR/RS Deebo Samuel, a quick versatile playmaker with fine production. He was a fine addition and brings skills as both a receiver and returner. He runs fine routes and shows very good run after the catch skills with impact ability especially in the slot with versatility as a returner.

Wide Receiver Class
Draft Insiders’ 2019 Yearbook Scouting Report – March 2019

Deebo Samuel #1 5-11 215 South Carolina – Sp. 4.45
     Player Comparison: Percy Harvin
Fast compact senior wideout/returner has been one of the most dangerous playmakers in the nation over recent seasons. Athletically gifted with deceptively strong frame and good quickness and speed to make plays consistently as a receiver, runner and returner. He got reps as a wideout, slot receiver, third down back and return specialist. When he lines up in the backfield, he ranks as one of the better 3rd down backs in this class. His return skills are amazing and can be an immediate difference maker both on punts and kickoffs. Used in a number of roles where he performs at an elite level. Very instinctive and intelligent receiver and developing quickly in running the entire route tree. Footwork is crisp and allows him to run precise routes and retain his speed well at the break point. Displays a fine burst out of his cuts to create consistent separation. Well-rounded complete athlete who is gaining a nice understanding of multiple positions to provide a very unique weapon for the pro game. Shows the instincts and feel for finding the soft spots in zone coverage and presenting a good target for the passer. Knows when he needs to come back to the throw on digs and hook routes. Always looking to run after the catch with the burst to create immediate space from defenders. Used in a number of ways, including jet sweeps, bubble screens and third down back situations. Very natural and reliable hands to extend and pluck the ball consistently. Knows how to track over the shoulder passes and displays good sideline awareness. He is both quick and fast with the suddenness in small areas to create space. As a receiver, he is a deep threat who can blow the top off a defense. Short strides allow him to cut on a dime and get behind safeties to make big plays. He handles bigger, stronger press corners and rarely is pushed off his routes. Reads coverage well and knows how to find soft spots. Needs to prove he can hold up physically working over the middle when taking a big hit. Good effort as a blocker. Dangerous as a punt returner where his short area suddenness, long speed, elusiveness and strength allow him to be dangerous every time he touches the ball. Natural runner and good at setting up blocks with the vision and awareness of a scatback to cut back against the grain. Can eat up the corner’s cushion quickly and come out of his breaks with sharp cuts and retain his top end speed to separate. Good cutting skills to change directions and maintain speed. As a runner, he has the ability to take the simple slip screen for huge gains, combining acceleration with the separation speed to run away. Athlete with highly-developed overall skill set and should be capable of contributing as rookie and playing key roles at a high level.
The Numbers: As a senior, he started each game and totaled 62 receptions for 882 yards, a 14.2 yard average and 11 TDs. Earned first team SEC honors. As a junior, he missed the season after a knee injury in the third game. Started 3 games and caught 15 passes for 250 yards, a 16.7 yard average and 3 TDs. Over his career, he had 148 receptions for 2076 yards, 16 TDs and an average of 14 yards per catch. Rushed for 154 yards on 25 carries and 7 TDs. Excellent returner and ranks with best prospects as a specialist. At the NFL Combine, he checked in at 5’11” and 214 lbs. and did 15 reps. Ran a good 4.48 time with a 39” VL and a 10’2” BJ. Added a 4.14 shuttle and 7.03 three cone. Fine positional and agility drills. Similar to NFL playmakers Percy Harvin and Randall Cobb in size, speed, running style and versatility.
The Skinny: Talented versatile playmaker with impact ability in a few roles. Developed receiving skills and best suited for the slot or 3rd down role in backfield. Top return skills and a difference maker for field position. Playmaking ability should earn him early slot time. Well-rounded athlete with speed and natural running skills with game changing ability. Game changer and marginal top 40 athlete with the talent to give an offense a boost and difference maker early.
Draft Projection: 2nd Round

Frank Coyle is a longtime member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff and Eddie Robinson awards annually for 25 years. He was a 20 year Scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl.