The 2023 NFL Draft is just days away, and it is a time when dreams will come true for dozens of college players.
Not only will they get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play in the NFL, but they will also get to earn millions of dollars and bless their families and communities financially.
For San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel, the 2019 draft was an emotional day, and he and his people celebrated when he was taken by the team with the 36th pick.
Throwback to the epic moment Deebo Samuel was drafted by the #49ers 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/M3MPfwCDR9
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) April 20, 2023
Samuel grew up in Inman, SC, a small town with a population of about 3,000 people, and although he had a solid senior season at the University of South Carolina, he wasn’t a big-time prospect heading into the draft.
But the 49ers saw enough in him to take him on draft day 2019, and he flashed his promise as a rookie, putting up 802 receiving yards and six total touchdowns.
He helped San Francisco reach the Super Bowl that season, where they blew a late lead and lost to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.
In 2021, Samuel blossomed into a star with 1,405 receiving yards, 365 rushing yards, and 14 total touchdowns, which earned him Pro Bowl and All-Pro first-team honors.
Last season, his production declined as opposing defenses keyed on him, but he is still a big part of the 49ers’ offense.
His versatility has allowed him to line up as a running back at times, but a key to their Super Bowl hopes next season will be an increase in his production in the air as a receiver.
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