Niner Noise
FanSided

Power ranking 49ers 2019 NFL Draft class after first 3 weeks

By Peter Panacy

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 25: Nick Bosa of Ohio State reacts after being chosen #2 overall by the San Francisco 49ers during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 25: Nick Bosa of Ohio State reacts after being chosen #2 overall by the San Francisco 49ers during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – AUGUST 19: Wide receiver Deebo Samuel #19 of the San Francisco 49ers avoids a tackle attempt by linebacker Justin Hollins #52 of the Denver Broncos before a 45 yard gain against the Denver Broncos in the third quarter during a preseason National Football League game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 19, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – AUGUST 19: Wide receiver Deebo Samuel #19 of the San Francisco 49ers avoids a tackle attempt by linebacker Justin Hollins #52 of the Denver Broncos before a 45 yard gain against the Denver Broncos in the third quarter during a preseason National Football League game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 19, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

. DEEBO SAMUEL. 2. player. 42. .

The 49ers have lacked a tough, physical wide receiver presence since the days of Anquan Boldin. Thankfully, wide receiver Deebo Samuel is looking like he can serve that role nicely.

Samuel, San Francisco’s second-round selection from the draft, broke out a bit during the team’s dominant Week 2 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, posting an impressive 86 yards on five catches, plus his first NFL touchdown.

So far, the former South Carolina standout has 147 yards on 11 grabs and is averaging 13.4 yards per reception. Those numbers would have been higher, had Samuel been able to hang onto what was a long pass from Jimmy Garoppolo against the Steelers in Week 3.

Still, Samuel has been impressive.

Samuel’s receiving numbers rank second only to George Kittle’s 165 yards, and the former’s efforts are tops among wideouts through three weeks.

It looks as if the Niners have a hot contender for a No. 1 wide receiver, finally.