San Francisco 49ers: Top 5 rookie seasons in the Kyle Shanahan era

No. 2: 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (2019 NFL Draft)

Do you know who’s No. 2 only to the legendary Jerry Rice on the 49ers’ rookie receiving yards list?

It’s the 2019 second-round pick: wide receiver Deebo Samuel.

Samuel posted an electric stat line of 57 catches for 802 yards and three receiving touchdowns in 15 games during his rookie year. Did I mention he also led the NFL in rushing yards as a wide receiver with 159 yards and three more touchdowns?

By halfway through the year, Samuel was one of the team’s most dangerous weapons on a weekly basis. He looked like a seasoned veteran out there and definitely didn’t display to have any issues with his transition to the NFL. Shanahan utilized the receiver all over the field, in both the passing and run game, making him an absolute wild card in Shanahan’s offensive scheme. Many critics believe Samuel is the prototypical wide receiver of the future with his ability to be effective all over the field.

Samuel was one of the leagues most electric players down the stretch and displayed exactly why Shanahan wanted this “yards after the catch” specialist on his team. His rookie season was a great preview of things to come for the exciting young talent. Shanahan definitely made the right call here.

For anyone who watched the Niners in 2019, it should be no question as to why Deebo is being slotted in at No. 2 on this list.