Analyst Daniel Jeremiah often referenced San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel during NFL Network's coverage of the NFL Scouting Combine, indicating that other teams are working hard to identify the next Deebo.
"Position-less players is kind of where we're going with these guys who can do so many different things on both sides of the ball," Jeremiah said.
Samuel finished his rookie campaign with 57 catches for 802 yards and three touchdowns while adding 14 carries for 159 rushing yards with three rushing touchdowns. His receiving yards total led 49ers receivers.
Samuel's three games of 100-or-more receiving yards are the most by a rookie in a single season in franchise history, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
Samuel added 10 more catches for 127 yards during the playoffs. His 53 rushing yards against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV set an NFL record for wide receivers in the big game.
The NFL recently tweeted out Samuel's top plays from the 2019 season, highlighting the young receiver's versatility.
At WR.
At RB.
At QB.
At returner.Name a rookie who played more positions than Deebo did last season. @19problemz pic.twitter.com/B1QEe3naKo
— NFL (@NFL) March 16, 2020
Head coach Kyle Shanahan was asked at the NFL Scouting Combine to explain how Samuel was able to be so successful in his first pro season.
"Because of how good of a football player he is," Shanahan responded. "When I say that, I don't mean the receiver position. I mean, he's a very good receiver and will only get better, but Deebo is as fearless of a rookie as I've ever been around. Extremely tough, wants the ball in his hands, will fight through everything, can play injured.
"The game was never too big for him. The moment was never too big for him. And that's why he helped us huge this year."