Niner Noise
FanSided

5 players the 49ers need to watch at the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine

By Peter Panacy

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 03: Running back Dalvin Cook of Florida State runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 3, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 03: Running back Dalvin Cook of Florida State runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 3, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBIA, MO – SEPTEMBER 9: Deebo Samuel #1 of the South Carolina Gamecocks waits with teammate to take to the field prior to a game against the Missouri Tigers in the first quarter at Memorial Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, MO – SEPTEMBER 9: Deebo Samuel #1 of the South Carolina Gamecocks waits with teammate to take to the field prior to a game against the Missouri Tigers in the first quarter at Memorial Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

Unlike D’Andre Walker, South Carolina wide receiver Deebo Samuel managed to suit up for Kyle Shanahan’s squad at the 2019 Senior Bowl and performed particularly well. During practices leading up to the game, Samuel was both clocked with the fastest speed for the South team, and he also showed off some nifty footwork and separation skills, as shown in The Athletic’s Dane Brugler’s video below:

Speed and separation skills are traits necessary for almost every wide receiver Shanahan covets. And with no Niners wideout posting more than 500 receiving yards in 2018, it’s pretty obvious a wide receiver will be a prime target in this year’s NFL Draft.

At 6-foot-0 and 210 pounds, this isn’t a case where Samuel makes up for size with sheer speed and agility. No, he’s big enough and has the bulk to fight off press coverage to get open. His stock has risen considerably, particularly including his Senior Bowl practice efforts. And with another strong showing at the NFL Scouting Combine, particularly in the speed department, Samuel might easily wind up being a prime target for San Francisco in Round 2 of the draft.