NFL Draft Profile: WR Deebo Samuel, South Carolina

February 3, 2019

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gettyimages-1046913536-594x594 — COLUMBIA, SC - OCTOBER 06: Deebo Samuel (1) wide receiver of South Carolina looks for running room on a punt return during a college football game between the Missouri Tigers and the South Carolina Gamecocks on October 6, 2018, at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC. (Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Deebo Samuel

WR-South Carolina

HT- 5’11” WT- 225 lbs
DOB- 1/15/1996
Year- RS Senior
Recruit- 3 Star
Grade- 81
NFL Comp- Percy Harvin
Games Scouted- @ Vanderbilt (2018), Vs Missouri (2018), Vs Tennessee (2018), @ Clemson (2018).
Injury History- Hamstring (2015), Foot (2017), Fibula (2017). (-5).
Accolades- 1st Team All-American (2018), 1st Team All-SEC (2018).

Assessment

GAINESVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 10: South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver Deebo Samuel (1) runs with the ball during the game between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Florida Gators on November 10, 2018 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Field in Gainesville, Fl. (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Catching: Samuel is a natural pass catcher. Makes smooth, solid catches with his soft hands. Incredible talent. May struggle to catch in traffic at times. Otherwise, displays a great catch radius, one handed catch ability. 26/28.

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Route Running: Excellent route runner. Displays very good burst in his breaks. Excellent footwork. Very quick and smooth through his routes. Great release. 17/18.

Size/Speed: Features the size of a running back and the speed of someone 30 lbs smaller. Incredible athleticism allows him to make huge plays after the catch, complete with the bigger body type. 14/18.

Physicality: Very physical receiver. Isn’t afraid to body with defenders and fight for contested balls. Does a good job getting off of press with a good hand jar move. 8/12.

Body Control/Balance: Good body control and excellent balance. Shows the ability to get two toes inbounds on very difficult catches. Very tough man to bring down. Excellent tiptoe ability. 9/10.

Blocking: Can be good blocker, but isn’t good at planting. Gets good licks in on people with a good start. Lacks the form and technique to plant and block the perimeter. 4/8.

Leadership/Attitude: Good leader and has an excellent attitude at all times. Doesn’t ever stop. Fights for extra yards. Grinds plays out. Love the effort from this man. ⅚.

Overall: Deebo Samuel has an excellent chance to be a huge impact receiver in the NFL. While he lacks the height to be a true #1 receiver, Samuel can be deadly from the slot and destroy defenses with his big play ability, RB body and slippery athleticism. 83/100.

Personality Assessment:

Deebo is a bright personality, almost wearing a mischievous look on his face at all times. He looks to make mischief on a defense, that’s for certain. Shouldn’t have any issues in an NFL Locker room. (+3).