Every year, we poll 49ers Webzone fans to determine the San Francisco 49ers' most valuable player in the eyes of The Faithful. This past season's MVP wasn't close, nor was it expected to be close.
Our fans have been choosing an MVP on an annual basis since the 1998 season when quarterback Steve Young became the first player to win the honor. Since then, just one receiver has won—Terrell Owens for his efforts during the 2002 season.
Wide receiver Deebo Samuel has become the second.
Of course, labeling Samuel as just a wide receiver doesn't do him justice. In addition to his 1,405 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns during the regular season, the versatile offensive weapon added 365 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns.
In the playoffs, the third-year player added 154 receiving yards, a receiving touchdown, 137 rushing yards, and a rushing touchdown.
Samuel received 86.6 percent of the fan votes. The next-closest player was defensive end Nick Bosa, who earned 7.5 percent of the votes.
This wasn't the only accolade resulting from Samuel's breakout campaign. He earned his first All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections. In addition, the 49ers named Samuel the recipient of the coveted Len Eshmont Award, an honor voted by his teammates and given to the player who best exemplifies the inspirational and courageous play of Len Eshmont.
San Francisco made Samuel a second-round draft pick out of South Carolina in 2019. The team hopes to lock up the star receiver to a contract extension this offseason.
Samuel's 90.2 overall Pro Football Focus grade (including the regular season and postseason) ranked third among NFL wide receivers, behind only Cooper Kupp of the Los Angeles Rams (93.0) and Davante Adams (92.7) of the Green Bay Packers.
