Arizona Cardinals: 5 potential second-round wide receiver targets

Deebo Samuel, South Carolina

College stats (4 seasons): 148 receptions, 2,076 yards, 16 touchdowns

Deebo Samuel is going to help a lot of fantasy football players in the near future. But I’m not talking about him being a steal in the draft, he’s going to make a quarterback’s stat line look very good.

Samuel has built a name for himself as one of the best receivers after the catch in the 2019 draft class. He has a 5-11, 214-pound frame built like a running back with the shiftiness, toughness, and vision of one to boot. Per Pro Football Focus, nearly 60% of his receiving yards were after the catch (1,244). He used those some ball carrier talents when he took four kick returns to the house at South Carolina.

But the South Carolina standout isn’t a one-trick-pony. What he lacks in explosiveness, he makes up for in smooth athleticism, speed (4.48 second 40-yard-dash), and an array of press-beating moves. His dedication to route-running is apparent. He can sell breaks well, win off of proper leverage alone, and has an extensive route-tree.

Samuel can also hit the second gear when he needs to and was seen as a versatile chess piece while playing for the Gamecocks. However, his lack of explosiveness and stocky frame continue to be a concern. While he’s a consistent catcher, his average catch radius meant he saw a lot of action on screens and slants (which he thrives in).