The San Francisco 49ers added two wide receivers via the draft this offseason in Deebo Samuel and Jalen Hurd. Pro Football Focus recently identified each rookie wide receiver's best route run during his final collegiate season.
Samuel dominated on slant routes last season with South Carolina. According to Pro Football Focus' advanced analytics, he hauled in 7-of-11 passes on that specific route. Even more impressive was what Samuel did after the catch. While his average depth of target was just seven yards beyond the line of scrimmage, he turned those receptions into an average gain of 31.3 yards per reception.
"He demonstrated his open-field ability on numerous occasions last year and more likely than not, it was after he hauled in a slant route," writes Cam Mellor.
A receiver so capable on slant routes seems like a perfect fit for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
"Over his career, Garoppolo has completed 28-of-38 slant routes for 356 yards and three touchdowns," writes Mellor. "A fully healthy year and a big target like Samuel over the middle of the field should only increase those numbers."
Garoppolo also excelled on in routes during his limited playing time last season, according to Pro Football Focus. He completed 51-of-77 attempts for 714 yards on those throws. That's where Hurd shined.
Hurd helped the Baylor offense gain 12 first downs on 13 targets and forced four missed tackles in space while running an in route.
"He's a threat to get open with his big frame on just about any route but he really showed that on in routes over the middle of the field that he's taking to the receiver position nicely," writes Mellor.
H/t to Patrick Tulini for the find.
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