Tag: Asante Samuel Jr.

What scouts said about Chargers CB Asante Samuel, Jr. ahead of NFL draft

Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel, Jr. received high praise coming out of Florida State.

The Chargers hit a home run in the second-round with the selection of cornerback Asante Samuel, Jr.

Samuel Jr.’s tape showed a first-round player, but his lack of height caused the slide to the dynamic defender.

How did NFL evaluations feel about him?

The Athletic’s Bob McGinn reached out to a few scouts to get a better idea what those in the league thought of him ahead of the draft.

“There will be size limitations, but he compensates in other ways,” one scout said. “He’s undersized but very productive. He can play outside or inside.”

According to Pro Football Focus, Samuel Jr. had a 21.9% career forced incompletion rate at Florida State.

“Good player, just (small),” a second scout said. “Has good instincts and cover skills. He’s a marginal tackler and hitter, but he’ll go after the ball. There are guys that aren’t tough that won’t go after the ball, but he will. Also has good hands.”

Due to some upper-body strength deficiencies, it can show up in the run game, which one scout highlighted.

“More of a slot,” a third scout said. “But he’s an excellent athlete and is quick as can be. He plays like his dad. He just knows what he’s doing. He attacks the ball. But his size does show up. He can get pushed around, and in run support he’s more of an ankle-biter, drag-you-down type.”

Overall, even though he isn’t going to get any bigger, Samuel displays the athleticism and aggressiveness with quick instincts to be a difference-maker inside or outside, drawing some parallels to Packers’ Jaire Alexander.

With his skillset and talent couple with playing under head coach Brandon Staley, Samuel has Pro Bowl potential.

Derwin James pushed for Chargers to draft Asante Samuel, Jr.

The Florida State ties run deep.

Cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. was selected by the Chargers in the second round, and while he may have been atop of their board already, a player already on the roster might have solidified their decision.

During the phone call between general manager Tom Telesco and Samuel Jr., Telesco revealed that safety Derwin James had been pushing for the team to select him prior to the draft.

“Derwin James has been lobbying for you for weeks,” Telesco told Samuel Jr.

“Yeah I know, that’s my guy,” Samuel Jr. responded. “That’s my guy right there.”

James’ response after the pick was announced says it all.

The two never played together since James’ last season was in 2017 and Samuel Jr.’s first season came in 2018. But despite that, the Florida State ties run deep.

James always made sure to return to his alma mater while Samuel Jr. was there for the three seasons, and he was key to the defensive back’s growth.

“The only person that really came back throughout the three years was Derwin James,” Samuel Jr. said at the time. “I feel like Derwin James, he explained to me how things worked and things of that nature.”

Now, reunited, James and Samuel Jr. will be integral pieces to a defense that’s looking to dethrone the Patrick Mahomes-led Chiefs.

2021 NFL draft grades: Analysts give Chargers’ haul highest praise

The Los Angeles Chargers 2021 NFL draft class received nothing but great remarks.

The 2021 NFL draft is officially in the books.

The Chargers got better on both sides of the ball, all while bringing in players that upgrade the special teams department.

In the eyes of national writers and analysts, this was by far one of Tom Telesco’s best haul since he has held the role of general manager.

A look at the experts’ grades and overall review of Los Angeles’ selections:

NFL Media’s Chad Reuter: A

“Slater only lasted to No. 13 overall because of his average length for the tackle position. But he’ll more than overcome that, and find success in the NFL, because of his athleticism and toughness. Samuel’s slight frame (5-10, 180) also cost him draft position, but again GM Tom Telesco found value by selecting the future starter midway through Round 2. Palmer and McKitty give Justin Herbert needed depth at pass catcher and will help negate some of the production lost by Hunter Henry’s exit in free agency.

Adding Rumph’s Gumby-like bend off the edge should bolster the Chargers’ pass rush, while James’ positional versatility should give the team’s O-line more flexibility. Rountree looked like a third-round pick at times at Missouri; he could be a Justin Jackson-type value pick for the Bolts.”

Yahoo Sports’ Nick Goss: A-

“The Chargers got a left tackle for franchise QB Justin Herbert with the selection of Northwestern offensive lineman Rashawn Slater in the first round. They also added a talented wide receiver for Herbert’s passing attack in Tennessee star Josh Palmer.

One of the best picks in the second round was Los Angeles drafting Florida State cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. at No. 47 overall. He has great instincts and athleticism, just like his father.”

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.: A

The Chargers’ top two needs headed into this draft were clearly defined: a left tackle to protect Justin Herbert and a starting-caliber corner. General manager Tom Telesco hit both of those early, and he didn’t have to reach.

Rashawn Slater (13) was a popular fit for mock drafts, and there were some teams that had a higher grade on him than Penei Sewell. He has the potential to be an All-Pro left tackle. Now, with the additions in free agency of Corey Linsley and Matt Feiler, this offensive line is suddenly one of the league’s 10 best. Herbert was pressured a whopping 217 times last season. I said it on Thursday — this pick is a dream come true for the Chargers. I thought cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (47) would go earlier than he did, but he could play in the slot or outside as a rookie. L.A. upgraded with both of these picks.

Wideout Josh Palmer (77) averaged 21 yards per catch in 2018, and his numbers would have been better if he had consistent quarterbacks throwing to him. Tight end Tre’ McKitty (97) wasn’t used much as a receiver in his lone season at Georgia, but he can block a little bit. Versatile linebacker Chris Rumph II (118) was one of my top available prospects for Day 3, and I’m curious where he’ll fit in Brandon Staley’s defense. Larry Rountree III (198), my eighth-ranked running back, put up 3,720 career rushing yards at Missouri.

Again, Telesco didn’t reach to fill two big voids, and so this class is one of the best of the year. This team absolutely got better.

USA Today’s Nate Davis: A-

“It fell pretty nicely to the Bolts, but their top two choices, OT Rashawn Slater in Round 1 and CB Asante Samuel Jr. in Round 2, have a chance to be franchise cornerstones – Slater the bodyguard this offense needed to get for offensive rookie of the year Justin Herbert. Pass rusher Chris Rumph II (Round 4) could blossom under new coach Brandon Staley.”

The Ringer’s Danny Kelly: A-

“I love what the Chargers did this weekend, especially in the early rounds. Los Angeles nabbed its long-term solution at left tackle, offering reliable protection for second-year quarterback Justin Herbert, and added depth and playmaking talent to an already strong defensive backs group. Plus, I really like Palmer, who offers big-play potential and has the skill set to be the eventual replacement for Mike Williams, who will play this season on his fifth-year option.”

Draft Wire’s Luke Easterling: B+

“After their first two picks, anything else was just gravy. Rashawn Slater was a steal outside the top 10, and gives Justin Herbert the franchise left tackle he needs. Asante Samuel Jr. was another bargain, and filled their biggest need on defense. Josh Palmer and Tre’ McKitty both bring tons of athleticism and potential to the passing game, while Chris Rumph II has tons of upside as a pass rusher. Brenden Jaimes and Larry Rountree II were their best picks on Day 3.”

Big takeaways from the Chargers 2021 NFL draft class

We have our takeaways from the 2021 NFL draft class for the Los Angeles Chargers and what it means for the team moving forward.

The 2021 NFL draft is officially a thing of the past for the Chargers.

General manager Tom Telesco brought in talent on both sides of the ball.

With that being said, I wanted to share my takeaways from Los Angeles’ haul.

 

5 hopeful Round 2 scenarios for Cardinals

Day 2 of the draft will be a pivotal day for Steve Keim and the Cardinals.

Excited or not for their Round 1 selection of Zaven Collins, Day 2 of the 2021 NFL draft might be even more pivotal for the Arizona Cardinals and general manager Steve Keim.

By selecting Collins, they selected the best player on their board, but they left a huge need at cornerback and another somewhat large need at wide receiver for the future unmet.

So what are some best-case scenarios for the Cardinals for Day 2? Here are five:


2021 NFL draft: Jets grab Asante Samuel Jr. in Touchdown Wire’s Day 2 mock

The Jets are projected to select Florida State cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. in Touchdown Wire’s Day 2 mock draft.

After addressing offense in Round 1, the Jets turn their attention to the opposite side of the football in Touchdown Wire’s Day 2 mock.

Here, Mark Schofield has the Jets taking Florida State cornerback Asante Samuel Jr.

Here’s Schofield’s explanation for the selection:

The New York Jets spent both of their first-round selections on offense, drafting Zach Wilson in the second-overall spot and then trading up for offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker. Now they turn to defense and add to the secondary with Asante Samuel Jr. Some might view him as a slot corner, but I would not be surprised to see him stick on the outside.

Jets fans are quite familiar with Samuel Jr.’s father, who terrorized New York’s quarterbacks during his time in New England. Now the younger Samuel has the opportunity to turn the tables on the rest of the AFC East.

While Samuel isn’t the most physically imposing cornerback, he makes up for it with his athleticism and elite ball skills. He has the ability to line up all over the field but projects as a complement to Bryce Hall, which would be a formidable 1-2 punch for Robert Saleh and Jeff Ulbrich’s defense.

Samuel recorded three interceptions and six passes defended this past season while receiving all-conference honors. He totaled four interceptions and 29 passed defended in 32 career games across three seasons at Florida State.

For someone who could’ve been the pick at No. 23, Samuel would be an easy sell if the Jets elect to stay put at the top of the second round.

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2021 NFL draft: 6 targets for the Jets on Day 2

Jets Wire takes a look at six potential Day 2 targets that the Jets could get at No. 34.

The Jets came out of Day 1 of the draft with their starting quarterback of the future and an offensive lineman to help protect him.

While they graded out well after adding Zach Wilson and Alijah Vera-Tucker, the Jets now have to play their cards right on Day 2 after trading away both of their third-round picks in order to move up nine spots in the first round. There always remains the possibility that Joe Douglas trades back from No. 34 to recoup more draft capital, but the Jets may have a hard time passing on the talent remaining at No. 34.

With that said, let’s take a look at six Day 2 targets for Gang Green.

2021 NFL draft: Best available options for Giants in Round 2

After a wild first round, the New York Giants still have plenty of needs to address in the NFL draft. Here’s a look at some Day 2 options.

The New York Giants were busy beavers in Round 1 of the 2021 NFL draft, but things will get no slower on Day 2 where the team holds two picks — one each in Round 2 and Round 3.

After addressing wide receiver on Thursday night, the Giants will likely turn to a different position on Friday night.

Here’s a quick look at several of the team’s Round 2/Day 2 options.

NFL draft rumors: Asante Samuel Jr. is a name to watch for the Eagles

NFL Draft rumors: Asante Samuel Jr. is a name to watch for the Eagles

The Eagles have a need at cornerback and the son of one former Philadelphia star could be just what the doctor ordered.

According to Stacey Dales of the NFL Network, Caleb Farley and Asante Samuel Jr. are two names to watch if Philadelphia trades down in the first round, potentially targeting those two players.

New Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon is expected to deploy a lot of zone coverage in his scheme. Samuel, like his father, projects better in a zone scheme and could become a ballhawk in the NFL by utilizing his elite vision at the position.

He’s also extremely versatile and during the Seminoles’ matchup with Florida, Samuel spent a ton of time on Kyle Pitts.

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Morning mock draft: Bills land CB, TE in two-rounder

2021 NFL Mock draft sees Buffalo Bills select CB Asante Samuel Jr., TE Tommy Tremble.

With the 2021 NFL Draft nearly here, our friends at the Draft Wire kicked the week off with a fresh two-round mock. In that, the Buffalo Bills’ two selections split on defense and offense.

DW’s Luke Easterling’s latest projection has the Bills’ picks as cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. and tight end Tommy Tremble. While the Bills enter the draft with some flexibility in terms of positions they could select, these two spots are a few of their bigger “need” areas currently.

Here’s a breakdown on both picks: