Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire
The 49ers have selected South Carolina receiver Deebo Samuel with the No. 36 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Samuel amassed 62 catches for 882 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2018. He went for 10 catches, 210 yards, and three touchdowns against Clemson, perhaps college football’s closest semblance to an NFL defense.
There has been longstanding interest here. The 49ers coached Samuel at the Senior Bowl, and he was one of the week’s standouts. The sides met one month later at the NFL Combine, and Samuel was pleasantly surprised to see new receivers coach Wes Welker in the room. Earlier this month, the 49ers invited Samuel to Santa Clara for an official pre-draft visit.
Samuel will fit in nicely at the “Z” position, though he can play anywhere. In January, the 49ers released Pierre Garcon, leaving a void. Samuel will compete alongside Kendrick Bourne, whose 487 yards led all 49ers wide receivers in 2018, for the starting spot.
Through the first two rounds, the 49ers have filled arguably their two biggest needs. With the No. 2 overall pick, they selected Ohio State defensive end Nick Bosa. They will have one more pick, barring a trade, on Friday, at No. 67 overall.
The 49ers have now selected a receiver in 17 straight drafts.