Peter Schrager recently asked two NFL Network analysts, Shaun O'Hara and Michael Robinson, which second-year player they believe is poised for the best sophomore season this year. O'Hara picked Marquise Brown of the Baltimore Ravens while Robinson went to the NFC, choosing Deebo Samuel of the San Francisco 49ers.
Robinson questioned O'Hara's selection of Brown because of the Ravens' dedication to rushing the football. While Baltimore ranked No. 27 in passing with 3,225 yards, it ranked No. 1 rushing with 3,296 yards — 1,206 of which was contributed by quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Meanwhile, San Francisco ranked No. 13 in passing with 3,792 yards and No. 2 rushing with 2,305 yards.
"It's got to be Deebo [Samuel]," Robinson said while explaining the reason for his choice. "He plays for a team that rushes the ball a lot too, so I have to say that there, as well.
"But Deebo [Samuel] hurts you in so many different ways. He runs the ball. He had over 200 yards rushing (regular season and playoffs), and this guy catches the ball out of the backfield. And when he gets the ball, he is a hard tackle, so I've got to go with Deebo [Samuel]."
Note: Robinson repeatedly said "Samuels," which is why it is thrice corrected above.
"I think he's a thousand-yard receiver this year." 👀
Which second-year player will have the BEST season in 2020? 👇
📺: @gmfb pic.twitter.com/yLRr38ZKSd
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) June 1, 2020
Samuel showed off his versatility during his rookie campaign, hauling in 57 passes for 802 receiving yards with three receiving touchdowns while adding 14 carries for 159 rushing yards and three rushing scores. He added 127 more receiving yards and 102 rushing yards through three postseason games and is a popular pick to have a breakout year in 2020.
Breakout WR in 2020 will be_______? pic.twitter.com/dfYEIeXl7P
— PFF (@PFF) June 5, 2020
H/t to Patrick Tulini for the find.