Niner Noise
FanSided

Predicting best- and worst-case roles for 49ers’ 2019 NFL Draft picks

By Robert Morrison

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 25: Nick Bosa is greeted by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked 2nd overall by the San Francisco 49ers on day 1 of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 25: Nick Bosa is greeted by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked 2nd overall by the San Francisco 49ers on day 1 of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBIA, SC – SEPTEMBER 16: Wide receiver Deebo Samuel #1 of the South Carolina Gamecocks outruns defenders from the Kentucky Wildcats for a touchdown at Williams-Brice Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Todd Bennett/GettyImages)
COLUMBIA, SC – SEPTEMBER 16: Wide receiver Deebo Samuel #1 of the South Carolina Gamecocks outruns defenders from the Kentucky Wildcats for a touchdown at Williams-Brice Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Todd Bennett/GettyImages) /

WR Deebo Samuel

Best case: Samuel asserts himself during training camp and takes over the Z-receiver role vacated by Pierre Garçon, starting opposite last year’s second-round pick, Dante Pettis.

While the counting stats won’t blow anyone away–mostly because of all the pass-catching options quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo looks to have next year — Samuel will prove to be a reliable target in the short and intermediate levels for the 49ers quarterback.

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

Most importantly, his drop rate will be low and his yards per catch will be high, making a big impact on what proves to be a high-octane 49ers offense.

Worst case: The true worst-case scenario is Samuel fails to impress and doesn’t make the roster, but I’m going to assume he’s at least going to cross that threshold.

In this situation, Samuel fails to acclimate to the pro game, and his hands let him down when his chances do come, leaving him languishing near the bottom of the 49ers’ receiver depth chart.

The continued lack of production outside of tight end George Kittle, Pettis and the running backs hurts the 49ers offensive output, as wide receiver proves to be yet again a hole in the team’s roster.

Prediction: The rookie out of South Carolina is one of many 49ers wideouts who get chances to shine, and takes advantage of them when they come. The numbers aren’t flashy, but he proves to be a vital member of the offensive unit.