2019 NFL Draft: Creating the perfect wide receiver corps
By Ryan Roberts
Y Receiver (Slot): Deebo Samuel, South Carolina
Former South Carolina star Deebo Samuel possesses traits that would translate well to multiple wide receiver spots in this dream lineup. The possibility of some short motions from the Z position, manipulating his ability to play both inside and outside, are tantalizing.
Despite his only average height, Samuel shows the ability to stack defenders at the top of his stem, which allows him to be a threat both vertically as well as laterally. Perhaps the most attractive aspect of Deebo’s game is his ability to get in and out of breaks with very little wasted motion. That, combined with Samuel’s yards after catch magic, is the perfect fit inside to the Y (or slot position).
He is a master of attacking leverage points of defenders, making the pivot or whip route must-see TV. Samuel has also shown an uncanny ability to win consistently in the red zone in condensed spaces.
This dependability is what the slot position has become. At one time (and still in certain cases), the tight end position served as a “quarterback’s best friend” or security blanket in short/pivotal situations. That has quickly swung towards the slot receiver, where we have seen players like Julian Edelman and Wes Walker (for years) establish a rapport and serving as that go to man in big moments.
That’s where Samuel’s value lies. When the lights turn on and the situations are biggest, hestands tall as my dream 2019 NFL Draft class slot receiver.