The 49ers filled their need at wide receiver with the fourth pick in the second round (No. 36 overall), selecting South Carolina wide receiver Deebo Samuel.
Samuel posted 148 catches for 2,076 yards and 16 touchdowns in his four years with the Gamecocks. He had a strong showing at the Senior Bowl, flashing a tremendous ability to get off the line of scrimmage.
He appears to be a perfect fit to replace Pierre Garçon at “Z” receiver. Samuel is a very good route runner who’s a monster after the catch. He also plays bigger than his 5-foot-11, 214-pound frame.
South Carolina consistently found ways to get him the football in space. He returned kicks and averaged 6.2 yards per carry on 25 rushes with seven rushing touchdowns.
The 49ers should find ways to get him the ball in all areas of the field, and he’ll offer a red zone target San Francisco sorely lacked last season.
