2021 NFL Draft prospect: FSU CB Asante Samuel Jr.

The son of two-time Super Bowl champion and two-time All-Pro Asante Samuel, FSU CB Asante Samuel Jr., has declared for the 2021 NFL Draft.

The son of two-time Super Bowl champion and two-time All-Pro Asante Samuel, Florida State cornerback Asante Samuel Jr., has declared for the 2021 NFL Draft. Samuel Jr. made his decision on November 29, after two games were postponed due to COVID-19 protocols.

Samuel Jr., 20, is coming off his junior season with three interceptions, 30 tackles, six pass deflections, two fumble recovers and one force fumble in eight games. In his three seasons with the Seminoles, Samuel Jr. totaled 93 tackles, 29 pass deflections and four interceptions.

The 5-10, 184 lbs cornerback is projected in many mock drafts to go in the second round, but he has seen his stock increase. Samuel Jr. was trusted by Florida State to stick top wide receivers on opposing teams with no vertical help. He has some experience covering in the slot but has thrived in off-man coverage. Samuel Jr. is aggressive, super quick and has tremendous balance to make tackles. He plays under control and rarely misses on tackles and has limited mental errors.

Samuel Jr. grew up in Sunrise, FL, which was less than 15 minutes away where Bears safety Eddie Jackson grew up. Jackson attended Boyd H. Anderson High School, which was also the high school Asante Samuel and Bears offensive lineman Cody Whitehair attended.

At 5-10, he lacks the prototypical size and length that NFL teams covet. However, with some experience at defending the slot, he does have the same build as Bears cornerback Buster Skrine, who is 5-9, 185 lbs and entering the last year of his contract and potential 2021 cap casualty.

Florida State has generally lacked consistent play and leadership, but Samuel Jr. brought both during his career. Samuel Jr. has now positioned himself as a draft-caliber player with tremendous upside.

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