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Curtis Samuel
A Curtis Samuel breakout 2019 season is becoming one of the worst-kept secrets of the offseason, but for good reason.
Samuel likely would have already broken out as one of the league’s best receivers if it wasn’t for injuries that have greatly hindered his young career. Samuel battled a hamstring injury going into his rookie season which later ended after a broken ankle suffered in week 10. Last season, an irregular heartbeat sidelined Samuel for the first three weeks and was then slow to gain a starting role.
When Samuel took over the role as a starter last season, and even in his limited snaps earlier, he showed elite abilities as a route runner, ball carrier, and effective red zone target. When he was targeted last season, Samuel ranked fifth in the NFL in quarterback rating. What is perhaps most promising for Samuel is that he has succeeded against some of the best cornerbacks in football, including Desmond Trufant and Stephon Gilmore. When watching his tape, Samuel put his crisp route running on display and can create space against anyone he goes up against.
Curtis Samuel put Gilmore in a blender #anklebreaker #keeppounding pic.twitter.com/a6tg04aE1Y
— The 4 Man Rush (@4ourmanrush) August 28, 2018
Finally, at full health, it’s no surprise that Samuel has made all the headlines in OTAs for making plays. While a lot of excitement surrounds last year’s first-round pick, DJ Moore, it’s Samuel that offers the most consistent downfield receiving weapon for Cam Newton. A healthy Curtis Samuel in 2019 will breakout as one of the NFL’s best all-around wide receivers.
Scott Gallimore is a writer for PFN covering the NFC South. You can follow him on Twitter @GallimorePFN