San Francisco 49ers
WR/RB Deebo Samuel
Kyle Shanahan’s offense is based on all kinds of things, but three primary tentpoles are pre-snap and post-snap motion, a varied running game, and route concepts that test secondaries at all levels of the field. Perhaps like no other player on the offensive roster, rookie receiver Deebo Samuel is able to be a part of all of it.
The Clemson alum, selected in the second round of the 2019 draft, has been good for 62 catches on 90 targets for 890 yards and three touchdowns, as well as 17 rushing attempts for 208 yards and three touchdowns. When Shanahan’s offense gets weird with the motion, it’s often Samuel who winds up with the ball in his hands, and another potentially explosive play is born.
“Deebo’s one of my favorite teammates,” fullback Kyle Juszczyk said this week. “If I was just a fan of the 49ers, I’d be the biggest fan of Deebo. I love his style of play, I love how versatile he is, and all the different ways we use him. He can line up as a running back, he has taken enough reverses this year to have some really good rushing stats. He’s a rookie who’s very coachable. The night before the games, Kyle goes through the first 24 plays, and he hands out the sheets with the plays all written out there. Deebo sits next to me in all of these meetings, and I watch him take notes on every single play.”
If you want to see how much Juszczyk appreciates Samuel’s efforts, watch this 30-yard touchdown run against the Seahawks in Week 17. Samuel gets the misdirection pitch, and Juszczyk provides the downfield lane by blocking cornerback Shaquill Griffin and linebacker K.J. Wright out of the play — pretty much at the same time.
Chiefs: Daniel Sorensen | Sammy Watkins | Charvarius Ward
49ers: Deebo Samuel | Fred Warner | Mike Person