3 toughest wide receiver matchups for Kendall Fuller in 2022
By Jerry Trotta
2. Deebo Samuel
Samuel would rank No. 1 on this list in most circumstances, but it’s currently unclear if he’ll be with the 49ers next season. Though a trade is unlikely now that the draft is over, Samuel clearly still takes issue with his current contract.
Even if Samuel stays in San Francisco, the reigning All-Pro’s versatility to line up in the backfield and catch passes behind the line of scrimmage means Fuller might not see him play a full complement of snaps at wide receiver.
That’s a huge win for Fuller, as Samuel is arguably the NFL’s most gifted offensive weapon following his groundbreaking 2021. While he isn’t your prototypical X receiver who dominates on the boundary, Samuel is a defense’s nightmare.
Despite being a “wide-back,” Samuel finished fifth in the NFL with 1,405 receiving yards and led the league in yards per catch (18.2) and yards after the catch (10.8) while catching six touchdowns, and breaking 27 tackles just as a receiver.
The Commanders will likely throw Samuel a variety of looks, but Fuller is the lead candidate to see the most snaps against the 26-year-old phenom.