ESPN’s McShay, Kiper say San Francisco getting a ‘physical freak’ in Deebo Samuel

Deebo Samuel showed plenty to South Carolina Gamecocks football fans over the years, accruing more than 2,000 yards and a slew of big plays.

On Friday evening, he was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the second round with the 36th overall pick. After he was taken, ESPN draft experts Mel Kiper and Todd McShay gave their thoughts.

“He’s a first-round talent,” McShay said. “Had some durability issues and some were worried about why it took him so long to get back to 100 percent shape this past year. But he is a big, thick slot receiver who creates a lot of problems. First of all he’s kind of a physical freak even though he’s not 6-4, 6-5. He is so athletic and has the ability to go up and adjust to the ball. Then I think his exceptional trait is when he has the ball in his hands. The vision, the quickness, the acceleration he brings to the table.

“Big-time playmaker when he stays on the field. If he can stay healthy, he’s got a chance to be special.”

Samuel measured in at 6-foot, 214-pound and ran a 4.48 40-yard dash.

Kiper zeroed in on one key game for Samuel.

“Go back to that eventual national champion Clemson Tiger game,” Kiper said. “Ten catches against Clemson, 210 yards, three touchdowns. When he was healthy, he was dynamic.

“After the catch, nobody like this kid. If he can stay 100 percent, he brings an attitude.”

This story was originally published April 26, 2019 at 7:53 PM.