There has been some debate on whom second-round draft pick Deebo Samuel, a wide receiver out of South Carolina, compares to. Many want to compare him to the man he could be replacing, Pierre Garçon. That comparison, however, always felt rather forced.
Who did Samuel say he patterns his game after? Like Greenlaw, he named a former 49ers player who saw success at his position — Anquan Boldin. He also named NFL receiver Golden Tate. Both are seen as very physical receivers, which is why the 49ers rookie identifies with them.
"They're great after the catch," Samuel said. "They know how to get separation and beat man coverage."
Samuel is seen as one of the best receivers in this draft class at gaining yards after the catch.
"It's just the mentality that I get when I get the ball in my hands," he said. "Like I was brought up, I was taught that way. My father always said, 'Get the ball in the box every time you touch the ball.' Every time I get it, I try to put it in the end zone."
Samuel sees himself as versatile enough to play wherever the 49ers coaches put him. He joked that he played every position except quarterback while at South Carolina. He even contributed on special teams, which he is not against doing at the NFL level.
"I kind of expect to do anything that they ask me to do," Samuel said. "Just throw me out there, anywhere, and I'll make the best out of every opportunity."
Like all of the rookies taking part in this weekend's three-day minicamp, Samuel is grateful for the opportunity to play in the NFL.
"It's just a blessing to be here, and just walk in here and be part of the team," he said.
Video courtesy of Grant Cohn of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.
49ers offer Deebo Samuel assurances regarding roster status
By David Bonilla
15 hrs
Amidst swirling trade rumors surrounding Brandon Aiyuk, the speculation surrounding Deebo Samuel's future with the San Francisco 49ers seems to have quieted down.
According to Michael Silver of the San Francisco Chronicle, the 49ers have assured Samuel that he will not be involved in any pre- or post-draft transactions, ensuring his place on the roster for the time being.
"Samuel, who signed a three-year, $71.55 million extension before the 2022 season, has been assured by his bosses that he will not be dealt during or after the draft," Silver reported, citing a source familiar with the discussions.
Earlier in the
Mike Silver on how Deebo Samuel's contract might be the starting point for a Brandon Aiyuk extension
By Al Sacco
Apr 16
With the 2024 NFL Draft less than a week away, it's common for the rumor mill to start churning, especially with players who are actively seeking a new contract. It was just two short years ago that WR Deebo Samuel requested a trade from the San Francisco 49ers prior to draft day, only for cooler heads to prevail and eventually agree to a new deal.
Now, it's WR Brandon Aiyuk's turn to try and get paid and rumors surfaced over the weekend that he too would request to be dealt. While that report was quickly shot down by his agent, there's still a lot of discussion about Aiyuk's future and if other teams will come calling on draft night.
Legendary columnist Mike Silver joined
Malachi Corley welcomes opportunity to play with 49ers WRs
By David Bonilla
Apr 23
Malachi Corley has been likened to versatile San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel. What does Corley, the former Western Kentucky wide receiver, think about the prospect of joining Samuel and the rest of the 49ers' receiving corps?
It's a possibility. Corley is expected to be drafted in the second or third round this week and recently visited the team in Santa Clara. Could it be the 49ers calling his name?
"Put me out there with Deebo," Corley recently told Kay Adams on the "Up and Adams" show. "Deebo, left, Malachi, right, [Brandon] Aiyuk, [Christian] McCaffrey down the middle."
While 49ers fans hope to see Aiyuk remain with the team, negotiations for
Silver: New 49ers intel reveals potential Brandon Aiyuk trade still in play
By David Bonilla
Apr 23
When asked about the possibility of wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk not being on the San Francisco 49ers roster on Friday morning, general manager John Lynch responded, "I wouldn't anticipate that."
Lynch assured reporters that signing Aiyuk to a long-term extension is a priority, stating, "And our wish is that he's here and a part of the Niners for the rest of his career. We're working through that."
While Lynch didn't elaborate on the conversations occurring behind closed doors, Michael Silver of the San Francisco Chronicle reports that a potential trade remains a
