From now until the 2019 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to showcase as many prospects as possible and examine both their strengths and weaknesses. Most of these profiles will feature individuals that the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have an interest in, while a few others will be top-ranked players. If there is a player you would like us to analyze, let us know in the comments below.
#1 Deebo Samuel/WR South Carolina – 5’11/4 216
The Good
– Excellent speed in the open field, coupled by elite acceleration that allows him to get up to top speed almost immediately
– Burst at his break point as a route runner, sets up corners with head/body fakes and creates space at the top, especially on in-breaking routes
– Wins in the red zone with his ability to create space, makes up for a lack of size
– Versatile player and dynamic in a variety of ways, a true gamebreaker who consistently made big plays and found the end zone
– Tough player, gives top effort, and harder to bring down than you’d might expect
– Times his jump well on vertical throws and shows ability to high point the football
– Quick to the tuck after the catch, gets upfield and back to speed after the catch
– Willing blocker who will sacrifice his body
– Big-time threat in the kick return game, team found tons of ways to get the ball in his hands (receiving, running, returning)
– Despite average frame, big hands (10 1/8 inches, largest of any WR at Senior Bowl)
The Bad
– Average frame and build
– Will struggle to consistently make catches outside his frame, limited catch radius
– Can get pinned to sideline and swallowed up by bigger DBs in press coverage on outside releases
– Limited productivity, in part due to injuries
– Injury history, medical red flags, early history of soft tissue injuries
Bio
– 28 career starts
– Career: 148 receptions, 2076 yards (14 YPC) 16 TDs, seven rushing touchdowns, four kick return scores (SEC record), and two TD passes
– 2018: 62 receptions, 882 yards, 11 TDs
– Averaged rushing/receiving TD once every 7.