If you’ve been on Twitter throughout training camp, it’s difficult to go one day without seeing a highlight of Curtis Samuel dusting a Panthers’ defensive back. Finally healthy and not having to waste time rehabbing an injury during the offseason, Samuel vastly improved his route running and his conditioning — two areas that he’s lacked thus far in his NFL career. “I’ve never seen one individual player come that far in my life,” said Torrey Smith. If the former Buckeye can shake off the injury bug, he’s in for a monster year. Samuel has the vertical speed (4.31 40) to get chunk yardage, the electric playmaking ability to find the end zone (7 TD in 13 gm in 2018), and the quickness to beat defenders off the line and rack up receptions.
“Watching him improve is amazing,” said Christian McCaffrey. “Obviously, he’s got foot speed that’s rare; not just in the league, I’d say in the world. Being able to watch him really use his skills well and learn and develop has been a lot of fun. So, I’m excited for him this year.”
Thus far, Samuel has been developing excellent chemistry with Cam Newton and is challenging DJ Moore for No. 1 WR looks. As of today, Moore’s current ADP is in the sixth round, while Samuel’s is in the 10th. For two similar players in the same offense, the value clearly lies with Samuel.
“But right now, he’s leaps and bounds from where he was his first year to his second year, and now I think he’s taking an even bigger leap. And it’s exciting to watch,” said HC Ron Rivera.
Sadly, The Wolf has yet to jump on the Samuel train, as he has him ranked as his WR49, a surprising -11 vs the ECR.
