San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan loves offensive players who can attack defenses in multiple ways. During his first offseason with the team, he brought in Kyle Juszczyk, whom he dubbed as an "offensive weapon" rather than a traditional fullback. It helped justify the position-leading four-year, $21 million deal given to Juszczyk. He remains the NFL's highest-paid fullback by a significant margin.
Last offseason, the 49ers brought in running back Jerick McKinnon because of what he could do rushing the football and catching it out of the backfield. Unfortunately, fans never got to see what Shanahan had planned for McKinnon as his season ended before it started due to a torn ACL.
This year, versatile running back Tevin Coleman was added. He spent his first two NFL seasons within Shanahan's offense in Atlanta.
Shanahan added another weapon when the 49ers selected wide receiver Deebo Samuel in the second round of this year's draft. While versatility is associated with the team's third-round selection, wide receiver Jalen Hurd, Samuel is a well-rounded weapon who could create mismatch nightmares for opposing defenses, according to Optimum Scouting senior analyst Ian Wharton.
Wharton notes that wide receiver Dante Pettis found success within Shanahan's system during his rookie 2018 season.
"[Samuel] doesn't dominate with his size or elite speed, but he's as well-rounded as any receiver in the draft," Wharton wrote for Bleacher Report. "His 4.48-second 40-yard-dash speed and 39-inch vertical leap highlight a skill set that allows him to go around or above defenders and win consistently at the catch point. His ability to play outside or in the slot with his speed, power after the catch and body control will allow him to earn early playing time.
"Shanahan demands versatility in his offense, and Samuel was the best fit in the class. He accumulated 2,076 yards and 16 touchdowns in his career despite being stuck in an inconsistent passing offense and dealing with injuries that caused him to play just eight games combined in 2015 and 2017. Expect him to quickly complement Pettis and veteran Marquise Goodwin as he's schemed into one-on-one situations to maximize his talents."
The rookie mismatches aren't limited to the offense. Wharton believes a defensive star landed in San Francisco's laps with the No. 2 overall pick. Defensive end Nick Bosa was also named among the 10 rookies Wharton believes will create mismatch nightmares and calls him a "slam-dunk playmaker" ... assuming he remains healthy.
"[Bosa's] fit with the 49ers is clear, as they desperately needed a second edge-rusher across from Dee Ford," wrote Wharton. "Bosa's stout enough against the run to be a strong-side defender but still quick and polished to be a double-digit sack defender in the near future. His 17.5 sacks in 29 games at Ohio State, few of which were starts as he was in a deep rotation, illustrates his efficiency and talent level.
"Opposing tackles will struggle with Bosa's ability to vary his bull rushes with speed attack. Bosa's hand strength and activity level are extremely problematic since he can initiate contact but then blow by his blocker, his way of distracting the eyes of the tackler. He should be able to convey his advanced skill set to an impressive rookie campaign."
H/t to Patrick Tulini for the find.
