Graphic by Pro Football Focus @PFF_College
Pro Football Focus released their Top 5 position NFL Draft prospects for the 2019 draft class. They start the article saying...
"As we get ready to kick off the 2018 NCAA football season, our team of draft analysts and experts have been hard at work all offseason, watching film and dissecting our wealth of data on every snap of FBS action since 2014 to outline the nation’s top prospects who could hear their names called next April.
Based upon grades, premium statistics and advanced study of film, here are our analysts top-5 players to watch at each position for the 2019 NFL Draft."
Deebo Samuel came in at #4 on their list. They listed his strengths as being "able to play in multiple areas and playing with aggressiveness, whether it's creating separation on a route, working back to stay friendly to the quarterback, and especially with the ball in his hands where he averaged 6.5 yards after the catch in his shortened 2017 season."
His "room to improve in 2018 -- at times, Samuel can let the ball get to his body instead of reaching out to snatch it with his hands."
Another Gamecocks receiver, Bryan Edwards, made their list as one of the Top Ten 2019 NFL Draft prospects at the wide receiver position. Edwards came in at #10 on the list.
In 2017, Edwards caught 64 passes for 793 yards and FIVE touchdowns. He was relied upon as the top wide receiver for South Carolina after Deebo was ruled out for the rest of the season following an injury against Kentucky in game three.
Edwards should see similar production this year if not improved numbers. With Deebo back, defenses will focus more on him, leaving Edwards open to make more plays down the field.
Where Edwards succeeds is one-on-one situations down the field where his ability and aggressiveness to go up and meet balls in the air really pays off. He plays physical and isn't afraid to take on defenders and lays his body on the line sometimes going up for catches.
Comments