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5 players who impressed the most during 49ers’ 2019 OTAs

By Peter Panacy

CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 03: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 3, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Kena Krutsinger/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 03: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 3, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Kena Krutsinger/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBIA, SC – OCTOBER 29: Deebo Samuel #1 of the South Carolina Gamecocks watches on from the field against the Tennessee Volunteers during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on October 29, 2016 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Tyler Lecka/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SC – OCTOBER 29: Deebo Samuel #1 of the South Carolina Gamecocks watches on from the field against the Tennessee Volunteers during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on October 29, 2016 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Tyler Lecka/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Wide Receiver Deebo Samuel

One might argue the 49ers’ No. 1 OTA performer was the rookie, Deebo Samuel.

Samuel, who seems to be tailor made for head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense, was a regular standout for all three weeks, establishing a rapport with Jimmy Garoppolo and flashing more than a handful of “wow” plays during practices.

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Including these efforts from Week 2 of OTAs, per NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco:

"Rookie receiver Deebo Samuel showed his explosive run-after-the-catch abilities when he took a pass from C.J. Beathard on a slant and sprinted the rest of the way into the end zone. Samuel also caught a 9-yard TD pass from Beathard in 7-on-7."

“Deebo, he’s had a couple, yesterday especially, that after the catch he’s just so explosive and fast,” Garoppolo said the previous week.

The former South Carolina receiver wasn’t exactly known for blazing speed in college, yet his creation in yards after the catch is something which ultimately caught Shanahan’s attention. So is Samuel’s physicality and excellent footwork, which should put him in an excellent spot to start right away his rookie season.

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Considering the 49ers failed to produce a single 500-yard wide receiver in 2018, Samuel’s quick ascent is something certainly promising.