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Redskins: 2019 NFL Draft top 20 wide receiver big board

By Jacob Camenker

TUSCALOOSA, AL - SEPTEMBER 30: D.K. Metcalf #14 of the Mississippi Rebels pulls in this reception against Anthony Averett #28 of the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL - SEPTEMBER 30: D.K. Metcalf #14 of the Mississippi Rebels pulls in this reception against Anthony Averett #28 of the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NC – SEPTEMBER 02: Deebo Samuel #1 of the South Carolina Gamecocks runs back the opening kickoff for a touchdown against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – SEPTEMBER 02: Deebo Samuel #1 of the South Carolina Gamecocks runs back the opening kickoff for a touchdown against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Deebo Samuel is one of my favorite receiving prospects in the entire draft. While he may not be a true No. 1 receiver at the next level, he could easily develop into a 1B option for a team. And that should do enough to make him a coveted prospect early in the second round.

Samuel is one of the more dynamic receiver prospects in this draft, but he also is one of the best route runners as well. He is consistently able to win at the line of scrimmage to gain separation and that affords him an opportunity to get open often. That is what made him a great red-zone weapon in his final year at South Carolina despite his smaller 5-11 frame. In his final year at South Carolina, this was on display, as he caught 11 touchdowns.

In addition to his great separation skills, Samuel is a very athletic and fast playmaker. He has excellent deep speed and is a playmaker with the ball in his hands, and he was able to use this ability to get off quickly at the line of scrimmage and gain separation on slower corners. This speed will directly translate to the next level and couple with his route running skills will make him an all-around weapon.

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The only real concern with Samuel is that he isn’t the biggest guy. Still, he has a thick frame and has good functional strength. He could win some contested battles, but he may struggle to do so against longer or bigger corners. That said, he won’t be asked to do this too frequently, as he will be used more as a speed threat and route running specialist.

For the Redskins, Samuel would be a nice weapon and he could emerge as their top receiver. He has the versatility to play all over the field and could end up being a long-term weapon for the team. If he’s on the board in the second round, the ‘Skins shouldn’t hesitate to grab him.

With Samuel, a healthy Paul Richardson, Trey Quinn in the slot, and Josh Doctson looking to prove himself, the Redskins would certainly have a better-looking receiving corps. It still would be a weakness, but Samuel would at least be a long-term weapon who could become both a volume and speed threat.

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