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.