49ers 2019 training camp: Predicting the biggest winners and losers

SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 11: Jarryd Hayne #38 of the San Francisco 49ers is wearing jersey #44 while participating in drill during practice on September 11, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. Hayne was wearing the #44 jersey for the 49ers scout team preparing for Monday nights game against the Minnesota Vikings. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/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) /

Winner: Wide Receiver Deebo Samuel

While Jordan Matthews got a lot of attention during OTAs, and rightfully so, the 49ers didn’t get to see a lot from one of their high-profile draft picks, Deebo Samuel.

Samuel was limited in these sessions due to a hip injury, and it wasn’t entirely shocking to see San Francisco rest him in preparation for training camp.

Yes, those padless practices are important, especially for rookies. But Samuel’s on-field abilities are already pretty impressive. The combination of strength, physicality, footwork and separation are traits Kyle Shanahan can exploit, turning Samuel into a bona fide weapon right away.

The Niners are likely to push Samuel a little harder during training camp, asking him to hone those skills he showcased at South Carolina.

And if he capitalizes on it, there’s a good chance he winds up starting for Shanahan right out of the gate.