Roundtable about the newest 49er
Back with another roundtable. This time, talking about the San Francisco 49ers Deebo Samuel. There were quite a few wide receivers available. Kyle Shanahan felt like Samuel was the best option. That says something.
Kyle
On the internets, I’m seeing a bunch of people worried about his height. Samuel is a big guy, man. He’s so tough. I think his versatility will really help. Shanahan is a mastermind. Watching the 49ers last year, you could tell he really missed having a chess piece. A true guy he can move around to create mismatches. I’ve already mentioned how he’s a red zone threat.
Pat
Only one concern: he’s not big. 5’11 and 215 lbs gives me fragility worries. It also is another wide receiver that feels like the 49ers already have. That said, there’s ability and a culture/system fit, the latter of which sometimes can get ignored in the NFL. Samuel blew up my living room with the Senior Bowl and the heart he plays with is nothing short of impressive and a cultural fit with the 49ers. If he can stay upright, Kyle Shanahan is going to be the mad scientist making plays with this speedy group of pass catchers the 49ers now have. As I said, I would have preferred a taller wide receiver for the redzone, but Samuel gets open in the redzone despite the height, so I should probably just shut up about it.
It will be curious on what the numbers for the 49ers wide receivers will be in 2019. Will there be a dominant true “No. 1” with 1,000 yards, or will the ball be spread around with the deep pool of talent acquired from the last three years? With the addition of Jordan Matthews, and now Samuel, you also need to wonder what happens to the wide receivers currently on the roster. I love me some Kendrick Bourne, but he might have a hard time making the roster in 2019.
If Dante Pettis pans out, I’m going to look forward to seeing him paired with Samuel on the field. If all goes well, that tandem with George Kittle in the middle is just going to be flat-out unfair in a year or two.
Rob
Samuel is another predictable pick for the 49ers after the coaching staff spent a week with the former South Carolina receiver at the Senior Bowl. He possesses all the traits that Kyle Shanahan covets in his pass-catchers. Samuel has sticky hands, runs crisp routes and resembles a running back after the catch. Many draft analysts compared his skillset to Pierre Garçon, who spent the last two seasons with the 49ers. Samuel should fill the void left behind by Garçon as the offense’s Z receiver. Both he and second-year wideout Dante Pettis excel at creating easy separation. Samuel thrives over the middle of the field and will quickly become a favorite target for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
Fooch
There were varying opinions on the wide receivers available at the top of the second round, but people should probably not be surprised by this pick. He’s not a big guy, but he brings serious strength and toughness. SB Nation’s Stephen White described him as a “guy who would try to run through a brick wall if it was standing between him and the end zone.” That would seem to suggest he’s a guy who will bring the wood as a blocker.
He’s a receiver who did his best work running slant routes and getting the ball in space. That is right in Kyle Shanahan’s wheelhouse as an offensive play-caller. He’s not a deep burner type, but the 49ers don’t really need that right now given Marquise Goodwin’s speed and Dante Pettis’ funky moves getting downfield. Deebo fits in real nice for what the 49ers are looking to do on offense.
Josh
49er fans should be happy because head coach Kyle Shanahan has another shiny toy to play with as Samuel is someone who, if remains healthy, could be a solid contributor for years to come. Deebo Samuel will become a fan-favorite in San Francisco. He’s a little on the shorter side (5’11”) but showed out during the pre-draft process by running a 4.48 and flashing his ability to run precise routes and create tons of separation.
With a healthy Jimmy Garoppolo and the continued growth of both Dante Pettis and George Kittle, Deebo Samuel finds himself in a good situation with a head coach who loves scheming his offense around players with unique playmaking ability. It’s exciting to see the 49er offense coming into full-form and the addition of Samuel only solidifies the fact that San Francisco is inching closer and closer to a return to the playoffs.
Mark
Seems like a lot of slot receivers and few wideouts, but undoubtedly an upgrade. Just pray for Marquise Goodwin’s health.
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