49ers player stocks soaring after Week 4 of 2019 season

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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) /

Stock up: WR Deebo Samuel

With Pettis not heavily involved within the offense, someone had to step up and fill in the void. Enter rookie second-round pick Deebo Samuel.

The wide receiver hasn’t been perfect by any means, but he’s quickly become the 49ers’ most consistent receiving target in these first three weeks. Eleven receptions on 13 targets and a red-zone touchdown catch (huge,considering the 49ers woes within the 20-yard line) are all great, but the biggest thing for Samuel is that he’s earned Garoppolo’s respect and trust.

In last week’s matchup against the Steelers, Garoppolo threw a deep pass in Samuel’s direction — not a wide-open pass or even a great pass, but a true deep shot for his receiver to just go up and get. That’s a throw quarterbacks make only when they think their receiver can make a play and come down with the pass.

Samuel may not be the biggest player on the field, but he makes his presence felt. The future is clearly bright for this second-round pick, and his stock is soaring in the first three weeks of his rookie season.